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27 Jul, 2025
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Matt Dawson column: 'Lions need series whitewash to be celebrated for decades'
@Source: bbc.com
The decision not to penalise Jac Morgan for a clearout just before Hugo Keenan's decisive try has been a huge talking point here in Australia. Personally, while I didn't think it was a penalty, I have seen examples where one has been given. Watching from the MCG stands, I was surprised the referee didn't give a penalty to Australia. The easier decision would been to penalise the Lions, because once it goes against Australia, it is series over. It was a brave call and to some extent I can see why the Australians are spewing. But did the right team win the Test match? I think they did. The Australians played some great rugby in the first half but their defence was so poor at times. Three Lions tries - maybe even four - were from Australian defensive errors, either system lapses or losing the physical battle close to the line. But that came from the fatigue. The Lions were fitter with a stronger bench and it told. In 1997 we were forced into a number of changes for the third Test and I would like to think Andy Farrell might make a handful of alterations to his starting XV given how close some of the selection calls have been. Picking a completely different side won't work, but some of the bench players could start to freshen it up. For example, I would like to see Blair Kinghorn start and players such as Ben Earl in the 23, especially with how much Tom Curry has given. Farrell will need to weigh up continuity of selection and making sure players aren't broken after this Test series. Maybe part of the Lions' internally talking about winning 3-0 is the management saying to the whole squad that this tour is not going to peter out - that they are here to play right to the end. The Lions can't win this 3-0 by relying on the same players again. The whole squad will need to be ready to go this week.
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