British & Irish Lions erupt in explosive brawl with Wallabies as players pulled apart

Players from both the British & Irish Lions and Australia had to be pulled apart after a mass brawl erupted in the first half of the third test. The visitors, chasing a historic series whitewash, trailed 5-0 when tempers frayed as the rain poured down on Stadium Australia in Sydney.

On the 23rd minute, Tadhg Beirne secured a timely turnover and the two sides soon came to blows. Nic White, playing his final international match before retirement, grabbed Dan Sheehan and the pair sparked a huge melee with hoards of players joining in the action.

The row continued in waves as sets of players began grabbing one another, having sparred with the opposition for two matches and an opening stage to the third clash already.

Skelton was told off by the referee for escalating the situation and the Wallabies were marched back 10 metres for sparking the brawl.

Moments later, Finn Russell made a meal of a pass and knocked it on, before being on the receiving end of a punishing tackle, with the Lions woken up following an underwhelming attempt to win all three matches on the road.

Sky Sports commentator Will Greenwood explained: "Will Skelton just needed something to let him in!"

But former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, on commentary for Greenwood, felt that the hosts made a mistake in starting the furore with the Lions.

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"The Wallabies are up for this. They're so much more combative in their 22. They're so much better at getting over the ball and making it a contest. Last week at the MCG they were absorbing all the time."

Australia broke the deadlock in the eighth minute when Dylan Pietsch went over the corner after a well-worked move. Their patience was rewarded, going wide on a penalty advantage, before Joseph Sua'ali'i flicked the ball to Pietsch who went over.

The Wallabies had turned down the chance to kick at goal, but failed to score a second try, before returning to the posts for a second opportunity that was converted by Tom Lynagh.

Lions captain Maro Itoje saw his campaign end prematurely, however, failing a HIA test at half-time and Ollie Chessum came on to replace the England lock.

Owen Farrell also joined the fray earlier than expected, with Tommy Freeman going down and the initial reserve being the only cover on the bench.

He moved to centre alongside Bundee Ake while Huw Jones was shifted out wide.