Wallabies clinch series as Lions discipline fails

SYDNEY - Australia beat the Lions 29-23 in last night's third and decisive test to clinch their first series victory over the Lions after more than a century of trying.

Both teams scored two tries in a thrilling decider - which was level at 23-all 12 minutes from time - but the Lions paid the price for their poor discipline, giving away a series of kickable penalties which ultimately proved their downfall.

Centre Daniel Herbert got both Wallaby tries while Matthew Burke celebrated his 50th test appearance with two conversions and five penalties for the world champions in a see-sawing match in which the lead changed five times.

Winger Jason Robinson scored a try for the Lions while Jonny Wilkinson scored a try, two conversions and three penalties. However, the normally deadly first five-eighths also missed three.

Australia, who lost the first test 29-13 but levelled the series by winning 35-14 in Melbourne last week, led 16-13 at halftime but were never able to shake off the Lions.

With the teams locked together in the 68th minute the tourists gave away a penalty inside their own quarter when they obstructed athletic Australian lock Justin Harrison, who had pinched at least five lineouts in a magnificent test debut.

Burke calmly threaded the ball between the sticks to put the world and Tri-Nations champions in front then kicked another 10 minutes later when replacement Colin Charvis put his hands in the ruck.

The deciding match, played in front of more than 84,000 at Sydney's Olympic Stadium, was the tightest and most exciting of the series.

Australia had begun badly in the two previous matches but came out full of running this time.

Harrison made an early impression when he stole the ball off the Lions first throw, catching the Lions backs offside and giving Burke his first penalty in the third minute.

Wilkinson levelled, Burke kicked another two before Robinson scored in the left corner after great passing by forwards Keith Wood and Tom Smith.

Wilkinson landed the conversion from the touchline to put the Lions 10-9 in front but missed with his next two goal attempts.

Burke also missed his next two shots, including an easy one from near the posts, before the Wallabies snatched back the lead.

Henderson dropped an easy catch inside his own quarter and the Australians made him pay, recycling the ball through five phases.

George Gregan fed Herbert, who combined with Andrew Walker and Joe Roff before finishing near the posts.

Burke added the extras to give Australia a 16-10 lead but Wilkinson pulled it back to 16-13 with an injury time penalty.

The Lions regained the lead two minutes after the re-start when Wilkinson scored after a strong build-up inside the Wallaby quarter as the Lions forwards hit the Australian line with a series of rolling mauls - their most effective ploy all match.

Australia hit the front again seven minutes late when they turned down a shot at goal in pursuit of a try and were rewarded for their decision.

Australia won the lineout and number eight Toutai Kefu burst through the defence and the ball went wide for Herbert to cross unopposed.

Burke landed the conversion from the sideline but a Wilkinson penalty brought the scores level at 23-23 with 27 minutes remaining when Herbert hit Irish centre Brian O'Driscoll with a high tackle - and was sin-binned.

But the Lions, who had not scored a single point in the last quarter of the two previous matches, failed to make the extra man count and as the Wallabies continued to make the running, Burke's penalties edged them six clear.

There was still time for a last thrust from the tourists but after Harrison stole the ball at a dangerous lineout and one final overlap pass went begging Australia took the honours.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard presented the trophy to captain John Eales, who said: "It's without a doubt one of the greatest series that rugby followers have ever seen and it was helped by the great support from the fans."

Eales gave special praise to Harrison, Burke and coach Rod Macqueen, who now stands down.

Lions captain Martin Johnson said: "It was a tremendous series, three great games of rugby, and it came down the last game.

"We've got no excuses, Australia deserved to win it.

"Its been a long hard tour and we came up just short. I'm sorry we didn't win it but the players can be proud of themselves."

Australia 29 (D Herbert 2 tries; M Burke 2 con, 5 pen)

Lions 23 (J Robinson, J Wilkinson tries; Wilkinson 2 con, 3 pen)

Halftime: 16-13

- REUTERS