The anticipation reached fever pitch as Australia faced the British & Irish Lions for the second Test of their 2025 series on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set the scene for a titanic battle, as Andy Farrell’s Lions looked to clinch the series and the Wallabies sought redemption on home turf.
Australia vs Lions (Rugby) Date and Time
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time:
- 8:00pm AEST (Melbourne local)
- 11:00am BST (UK)
- 6:00am ET (USA)
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
Match Build-Up and Preview
The Lions arrived in Melbourne with a 1–0 series lead after a resilient victory in the opening Test in Brisbane. The Melbourne clash attracted a near record crowd as the Wallabies recalled key leaders, including Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, to counter a fierce Lions pack.
Coach Andy Farrell named a strong Lions side, favoring continuity but also making strategic changes after an intense midweek clash. Both teams entered the contest with everything to play for, promising a spectacle of top-level rugby.
Starting Line-Ups
Australia: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon; James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c).
Lions: Hugo Keenan, Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje (c), Ollie Chessum, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan.
Match Highlights
- The Wallabies roared into a 23–5 first-half lead, dominating with energy and set-piece strength.
- The Lions responded through Tom Curry and Huw Jones before halftime, narrowing the gap to 23–17.
- The second half delivered a tense, tactical battle—with both sides exchanging penalties.
- In the final minute, Lions fullback Hugo Keenan broke through for a sensational try, snatching a 29–26 victory and securing the series for the visitors.
Atmosphere and Impact
A packed MCG, with nearly 100,000 spectators, generated an unforgettable backdrop for the match—proving the enduring appeal of rugby’s biggest touring team. The atmosphere was electric, with fans draped in both gold and red, knowing the stakes could not be higher.
Why This Matters
With this result, the British & Irish Lions claimed the series with a game to spare, cementing their status as one of rugby’s most storied teams. Australia showed flashes of brilliance and resilience, ensuring rugby fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this fierce rivalry.