Farrell says win over Australia 'what dreams are made of'
REACTION: Coach Andy Farrell said the British and Irish Lions’ 29-26 comeback win over Australia Saturday was “what dreams are made of”, saluting his players for the way they fought back.
The tourists looked down and out after slumping 5- 23 behind in the first half at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground.
But they conjured an incredible turnaround with two tries in quick succession before half-time – winger Hugo Keenan’s 79th-minute effort sealed the three-Test series and shattered Australian hearts.
“It’s fairytale stuff. To leave with a win like that, it means everything,” said Farrell after the nail-biting triumph.
“The lads have dreamed of being Lions all their lives. To get to the point at the MCG with 90,000 odd people and win it with a dramatic finish like that, it’s what dreams are made of.
“We are absolutely delighted. We showed courage.
“The drama and how it unfolded is what makes it so special,” he added.
Australia was a different team to the one beaten in the first Test at Brisbane, with dangermen Will Skelton, Rob Valetini, and Dave Porecki all back from injury.
Their added muscle made the Wallabies far more physical in the collisions, rattling the Lions with three tries inside eight first-half minutes before they tired in the second half.
“Australia said they were going to show up, and they did,” said Farrell.
“It was more than physical. They played some nice rugby and capitalised on our ill-discipline.”
Valetini failed to show for the second half while Skelton departed soon after the restart.
It was in their absence that the Lions were able to pull off the remarkable comeback.
“It wasn’t great, especially in the first half,” said Farrell.
“We started with back-to-back penalties and yellow cards, and it really cost us on the scoreboard.
“But we found a way back into the game, and that gave us confidence heading into the second half. And, wow — what a finish.”
The series now heads to Sydney next weekend for what is a dead rubber Test, but one the Lions want to win to seal a rare series whitewash.
They have so far won all eight tour games since arriving in Australia.
