The third and final match between the British & Irish Lions and Australia was halted in Sydney due to severe storms on Saturday. The game began in wet conditions but was stopped just after the 40-minute mark.
A statement from the British & Irish Lions cited a lightning warning as the reason for suspending play. Another update on Twitter mentioned a 30-minute suspension due to lightning striking within 10km of the stadium.
A message displayed on the stadium screen advised certain patrons to move to the concourse due to approaching bad weather. Players from both teams returned to the changing rooms at Accor Stadium. A ten-minute warm-up period was scheduled before the game resumed with the clock stopped at the 43rd minute.
Mark Philp, the matchday manager for Rugby Australia, stated during the pause that they were monitoring the weather and waiting for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. He mentioned the possibility of considering an abandonment if the delay extended but emphasized the desire to resume the game for players and fans.
The suspension came after Lions player James Ryan was stretchered off following an injury where he was knocked unconscious while attempting a tackle. Play halted as medics attended to Ryan, who eventually signaled to the crowd that he was alright.
At the time of suspension, the Wallabies led 8-0 with a penalty from Tom Lynagh and a try by Dylan Pietsch. Max Jorgensen later scored a try, converted by Ben Donaldson, to increase the hosts’ lead after play resumed.
