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British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell celebrates his team’s victory over Australia after the second rugby Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Andy Farrell admits that he is “living the dream” after the Lions snatched a dramatic series win against Australia with a game to spare following a 29-26 victory in Melbourne.
Farrell watched his team look like they were going to get blown away before coming back from 25-3 down in the first half to snatch their first series win in Australia since 1989 with a last-minute try from Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan.
He will breathe a huge sigh of relief at avoiding a repeat of the 1930 tour to Australia and New Zealand, when the Lions lost the only Test 41–36 in Melbourne, and in 2001, when Graham Henry’s side were defeated 2-1.
British & Irish Lions in collaboration with the RugbyPass App
World Rugby and the British & Irish Lions announce a groundbreaking strategic collaboration that will see the RugbyPass App become the designated home of the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025.
World Rugby and the British & Irish Lions announce a groundbreaking strategic collaboration that will see the RugbyPass App become the designated home of the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025.
“These lads have dreamed of being a British and Irish Lion all of their lives, and to get to the point when we come to the MCG with 90-odd thousand people with a dramatic finish like that, to win the series.
“It’s what dreams are made of. No one can deny us that. It’s a special moment for everyone. We are absolutely delighted that we showed the courage that it takes to be a Lion. Fair play to the Wallabies, they turned up.
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“They said physically they were going to turn up, but it wasn’t just that — they played a great brand of rugby. But we kept finding a way, which is the most pleasing thing.
“Even in the first half, every time we went down into the 22, we looked dangerous, and that was a nice way for us to go in at half-time. Again, it wasn’t all going our way in the second half.
“But the way that we held our nerve when we got down to those last ten minutes was outstanding. We will enjoy tonight because we have just made a bit of history.
“We came here to do what we have done tonight, so we should all celebrate it. It’s zero to do with me. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent these boys as their head coach. I’m the one living the dream,” he said.
Farrell also praised Italian referee Andrea Piardi for holding his nerve and awarding what has been dubbed one of the Lions’ most controversial tries in recent history after a check for an illegal clear-out by Jac Morgan.
“I thought it was a brilliant clear-out, honestly — didn’t you? It depends on what side of the fence you come from.
“I thought it was a good clear-out live. I couldn’t understand what they were going back for.
“They seem to go back for everything these days. But I’m so pleased that the referee held his nerve. It was the right decision in my opinion.
“I can understand people’s opinions. I thought that Jac (Morgan) was brilliant when he came on, as were the rest of the bench,” he added.
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