The British & Irish Lions’ clash with Australia was briefly suspended due to huge storms in Sydney on Saturday. The game initially got underway in sodden conditions but was suspended just after the 40-minute mark.
A statement from the British & Irish Lions read: “PLAY SUSPENDED due to a lightning warning in the area.” A further statement on Twitter read: “Latest update: play has been suspended for 30 minutes here in Sydney due to a lightning strike within 10km of the stadium.”
Meanwhile, a statement in the stadium read: “Bad weather is approaching. Patrons seated in rows 1-19 of the lower seating bowl head to the concourse where it is undercover. Follow instructions of stadium staff. All other patrons must remain seated.”
Meanwhile, both sets of players headed back into the changing rooms of the Accor Stadium. A ten-minute warm up was scheduled before the resumption of play, so long as there were no further lightning strikes near the stadium.
Speaking to Sky Sports, matchday manager for Rugby Australia, Mark Philp said: “We’re keeping an eye on the weather, and we have to wait 30 mins after the last thunder and lightning.
“If this lasts 55-60 mins or so then a decision is kicked up much higher than me to consider an abandonment and given it’s the second half the result would stand. But we’re not there yet and we all want to get the game resumed for the players and the fans.”
The suspension followed a pause as James Ryan was stretchered off the pitch following a concerning injury. Ryan had been knocked unconscious as he attempted to tackle Will Skelton.
But he caught a knee to his head and laid motionless on the floor while play was stopped around him. Nic White was then the instigator of a brawl between the two sides, similar to the one he started before the break, while medics rushed to Ryan’s side.
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The Wallabies were 8-0 up at the time of the suspension following a penalty from Tom Lynagh and Dylan Pietsch’s try.
The Lions have enjoyed a fantastic tour down under so far despite a shock warm defeat against Argentina, They secured comprehensive wins against Force, Reds and Waratahs before overcoming Brumbies and a AUNZ Invitational team.
The Lions defeated Australia 27-19 in their first meeting and then beat the Wallabies 29-26 in their second clash. The British and Irish Lions have not won a series with a 3-0 whitewash since 1927.
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