The story doesn’t end there, however. Harry Wilson, the Wallabies’ skipper, beseeched the referee to look at the final ruck, which produced the ball for Keenan’s try.
Ninety thousand spectators and millions watching worldwide held their breath as the referee and assistants watched the replay.
The laws of the game suggested a penalty to Australia for contact with the neck of the Wallaby player trying to jackal the ball. On-field and off-field fury erupted when the referee indicated fair play and the Lions secured the ball, Keenan scored, and the Lions won the series 2-0.
Before this, the game had been a spectacle. The Wallabies played some exhilarating rugby and went into a 23-5 lead just before half-time. But the strength of the Lions is their unity and they roared back to win, outscoring their opponents 5 tries to 3.
Much of modern-day rugby union is contentious and left to the referee’s interpretation. The lawmakers attempt to both speed up the play and make it safer. Barristers could make a legal case for both sides. The sad part is that a huge blockbuster would have taken place in Sydney next Saturday had the referee’s decision gone in the Wallabies’ favour.
Arguments will rage on throughout the week. Only pride is on the line, so I expect a Wallabies win, hopefully in less contentious circumstances.
Then in four years, it’s off to New Zealand for the Lions and no doubt more drama and intensity.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.