The third Test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia was suspended for 40 minutes due to lightning near Accor Stadium in Sydney. The match was stopped with the Wallabies leading 8-0 in the 43rd minute.
The halt came shortly after a lengthy pause for Lions lock James Ryan, who was treated for a head injury after being knocked out by a knee to the head. The Lions also lost Maro Itoje and Tommy Freeman to failed head injury assessments, while Australia fly half Tom Lynagh did not return after undergoing a head injury assessment.
Fans in the front rows were ordered to take cover under the concourse as the electrical storm struck after a day and week of heavy rain in Sydney. Under regulations, play cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 10 kilometres of the ground, plus a 10-minute warm-up period, meaning the match restarted after 9.50pm local time (12.50pm BST).
The Lions had already secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead after their dramatic win in Melbourne last weekend. Andy Farrell’s side aimed to become the first tourists to whitewash their opponents since the 1927 Lions in Argentina.
