"Australia 11-5 Lions: Controversial Sheehan Try Stands Amid Wallabies’ Referee Outcry"

Australia Edge Lions in Thrilling Test Opener at MCG
By Ed Carruthers and Chris Foy | Updated: 11:32 BST, 26 July 2025

[Image 1: Lions and Wallabies players line up for national anthems at the packed MCG.]

In a fiery clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia held off a late British & Irish Lions surge to claim a narrow 11-5 victory in the first Test of the 2025 series. The match was marked by controversy, including a disputed Lions try and a dominant start from the Wallabies’ returning colossus Will Skelton.

First Half: Wallabies Strike Early

Australia raced to a 6-0 lead within minutes, with fly-half Tom Lynagh converting two penalties after the Lions conceded early breakdown penalties. Towering lock Skelton made an immediate impact, bulldozing through defenders in his first Test appearance since recovering from a calf injury. "He adds dynamism, size, and power," Lions captain Maro Itoje later admitted about the 6’8", 23st La Rochelle star.

[Image 2: Will Skelton charges through Lions defenders during a carry.]

The Lions thought they’d struck back when flanker Jack Conan crashed over the line, but the try was disallowed after the ball slipped loose. Tempers flared as both captains received warnings from referee Andrea Piardi.

Controversial Sheehan Try

Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan injected drama in the 32nd minute, leaping over a tackle to ground the ball. Australian players furiously contested the score, claiming Sheehan left his feet illegally. Piardi upheld the try, stating, "You are allowed to jump in the act of scoring," reducing Australia’s lead to 6-5.

[Image 3: Dan Sheehan dives for the Lions’ try amid Wallabies protests.]

Defensive Battle in the Rain

Persistent rain transformed the second half into a gritty contest. Both teams relied on kicking and mauls, with the Lions’ lineout struggles proving costly. "This was always going to be an arm-wrestle," remarked Mail Sport‘s Chris Foy. Australia sealed their win with a late penalty, capitalizing on Lions errors.

Key Performances & Fallout

• Will Skelton: The returning lock’s physicality disrupted the Lions’ defense, justifying coach Joe Schmidt’s late selection gamble.
• Garry Ringrose: The Lions center withdrew hours before kickoff after self-reporting concussion symptoms, earning praise from Owen Farrell for his "selfless" honesty.
• Traffic Chaos: The Wallabies arrived 30 minutes late due to Melbourne gridlock, drawing ire from the meticulous Schmidt.

[Image 4: Owen Farrell leads the Lions onto the field under gloomy MCG skies.]

Atmosphere & Context

A record 95,000 crowd created a thunderous backdrop at the iconic MCG. Lions coach Andy Farrell had warned, "We’re not playing a pub team," and the Wallabies proved him right with relentless defensive pressure. The Lions now face a must-win second Test in Sydney to keep series hopes alive.

[Image 5: Wallabies celebrate their hard-fought victory at full-time.]

Final Score: Australia 11–5 British & Irish Lions
Tries: Sheehan (Lions)
Penalties: Lynagh 3 (Wallabies)

Stay tuned for updates ahead of the decisive second Test on August 2.

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Images represented by placeholders; original article included 8+ relevant photos.