The third and final match between the British & Irish Lions and Australia was halted due to severe storms in Sydney on Saturday. The game began under wet conditions but was suspended just after the 40th minute due to a lightning warning in the area.
A statement from the British & Irish Lions confirmed the suspension, citing the lightning warning as the reason. A subsequent update on Twitter stated that play was paused for 30 minutes due to a lightning strike within 10km of the stadium.
As bad weather approached, an announcement on the stadium screen advised certain patrons to move to the concourse for cover, while others were instructed to remain seated. Both teams retreated to the changing rooms at Accor Stadium, with a ten-minute warm-up planned before the game could resume, the clock stopped at the 43rd minute mark.
During the break, Mark Philp, the matchday manager for Rugby Australia, informed Sky Sports that they were monitoring the weather and would wait for 30 minutes after the last thunder and lightning before making a decision on resuming the game.
The suspension came after an injury scare when Lions player James Ryan was stretchered off the field after a collision with Will Skelton. Ryan was briefly unconscious but later signaled to the crowd that he was alright.
At the time of the suspension, the Wallabies led 8-0 through a penalty by Tom Lynagh and a try by Dylan Pietsch. Following the resumption of play, Max Jorgensen scored a try converted by Ben Donaldson to increase the host’s lead.
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