The Wallabies were ‘broken’ at full-time. They say they can get up for the third Test

The Wallabies were one refereeing decision away from one of the greatest underdog victories in Australian rugby history.

Instead, captain Harry Wilson – one of the toughest figures in the game – was almost in tears at full-time, struggling to comprehend a 29-26 loss after Australia had surged to an early 23-5 lead.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat in front of 90,307 fans at the MCG, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt believes his wounded side have the mental resilience to bounce back for next week’s third Test in Sydney, having restored pride and credibility against a Lions side representing four nations.

“I was immensely proud of the effort they made because, Harry is here now, they were broken at the end of it,” Schmidt said at his post-match press conference as songs echoed from the victorious Lions changeroom nearby.

“You’ve got to keep resolve and keep going forward. We won’t wallow in self-pity because we didn’t get the result.”

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson.

A glance at Wilson beside him said it all.

“It’s so painful,” Wilson said. “I’m so proud of the team and how we bounced back and played some terrific footy. To not get the result and go into series decider really hurts everyone.

The Wallabies have been a punchline in recent years, nowhere more so than at the 2023 World Cup, where they bowed out in the pool stages following a 40-6 thrashing by Wales.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt speaks to the media following his side’s loss.

After a heavy Wallabies defeat to Argentina last year, former England halfback Ben Youngs questioned whether the Lions should even tour Australia.

“I’m looking at it and thinking the Lions are better off going to South Africa and touring there,” Youngs said. “You get into the Test matches [in Australia] and you run riot and have got it wrapped up after two games with an aggregate of 110 points.”

The Lions have now won by margins of eight and three and have an aggregate of 56 points, not 110.

Did Wilson feel disrespected?

Harry Wilson urges referee Andrea Rinaldi to review the last ruck.

“I guess so,” Wilson said with a shrug. “Some of the stuff that was said last year we didn’t appreciate but it was on us to improve as a team and show our worth, which I think we did in the back-end of last year.

“Obviously, after the first Test, we had a fair share of critics again, but I think we showed tonight what team we can be. So disappointed.”

Schmidt agreed.

“I didn’t think we were that bad last week,” he said. “I know people reported as such but it was three tries each.

“It was a heck of a Test match tonight.”

After full-time, Schmidt addressed his players and told them he was proud. He wasn’t sure whether the controversial non-penalty – Jac Morgan’s cleanout on Carlo Tizzano – would itself become motivating factor, but was confident his side could rebound for the match at Sydney Olympic Park.

“I thought they demonstrated a high level of skill and physical commitment,” Schmidt said. “I think they are progressing. Our challenge is to try to be as consistent as we can. We’re trying to play a brand of rugby that entertains people.”

Halfback Jake Gordon, who scored a fabulous solo try close to the line, said players wanted another crack at the Lions.

“I hope tonight made our fans proud but still have another massive Test. I don’t see it as a hard game to get up for,” Gordon said.

“Were we a little bit better than last week? For sure. Do we want to go to another level? Yes we do.”

One player who took the defeat harder than most was centre Len Ikitau, who couldn’t stop Hugo Keenan from scoring the match-winner in the 80th minute.

“We put ourselves in a position to win there,” Ikitau said. “I wasn’t proud of the way I played tonight. I fell off a few tackles. Very disappointed. I pride myself on good defence.”

Even if the Wallabies win in Sydney, it won’t carry the same meaning as what might have been at the MCG. That is the hardest part to take for an inexperienced Wallabies side who came so close to pulling off one of those results rugby fans would talk about for decades.

“The boys really wanted this tonight,” Ikitau said.

Lions coach Andy Farrell said his team got what they deserved.

“It’s fairytale stuff,” Farrell said. “To leave with a win like that, it means everything.

“The lads have dreamed of being Lions all their lives. To get to the point at the MCG with 90,000 odd people and win it with a dramatic finish like that, it’s what dreams are made of.”