Jac Morgan was at the centre of a decisive Lions moment and admitted afterwards he was nervous as video replays decided everything
A clear-out from Jac Morgan helped decide the British and Irish Lions series against Australia, but it was momentarily shrouded in controversy and anxiety as Wallaby players protested with referee Andrea Piardi about the legality of it.
Morgan, who is the only Welsh player in the entire Lions squad, came on as a substitute against Australia in the second Test. With Andy Farrell’s side pressing the Wallaby whitewash, attacking breakdown work was vital to ensure possession to try and take the series. Ospreys flanker Morgan then superbly cleared out Carlo Tizzano, who was attempting a jackal.
In the play afterwards, it was Hugo Keenan who crossed the try line to etch his name into Lions rugby folklore forever as the tourists came from behind to win 29-26. Fans and players’ celebrations were halted, though, as Australian skipper Harry Wilson complained that Morgan’s clear-out was dangerous.
Piardi watched the replays, which showed Morgan smashing Tizzano away from the breakdown. Morgan made no contact with Tizzano’s head and, with the Australian forward buried into the depths of the ruck, there was no other way Morgan could have made the clear-out.
Nonetheless, Morgan faced an anxious wait as TV cameras focused in on him as he watched the big screen.
The officials eventually agreed that there was no dangerous play from Morgan, despite his opponent grabbing his face and falling to the ground, and awarded the try, and the series, to the Lions.
Morgan could be seen overwhelmed with joy as his fellow teammates embraced him for helping produce a series-defining moment.
Despite missing a few kicks, Russell didn’t mind missing the uprights in the final moments, joining his fellow players in their wild celebrations.
“Looks at the smile from Jac Morgan!,” exclaimed Sky Sports commentator Miles Harrison.
“You haven’t lost it mate, you’ve helped win it!”
Wales legend Sam Warburton pointed the finger at the Wallabies player, saying: “The Lions got their just reward at the end. That was a superb clear-out from Jac Morgan.
“An excellent piece of play, well finished off by Hugo Keenan. We don’t need those footballer-type responses to try and win penalties like that. A just end for the Lions.
“I’m glad the referee didn’t buy him acting to try and get that penalty.”
Watch the try and Morgan’s clear-out below.
Speaking about the incident after the game, Morgan was interviewed by former Lion Will Greenwood.
“I was a little bit nervous, I won’t lie!,” Morgan admitted, when asked about the TMO check.
“It felt amazing, a massive honour and a proud moment. To be able to be selected and to play for the Lions was great.”
On the togetherness of the squad, Morgan added: “It’s massive, it’s important, as a bunch of boys around here, everyone has been fantastic. Everyone is a good laugh and that brings everyone tighter. It makes it that little bit more special as well, it’s brilliant.”
Morgan was then asked whether he feels any pressure being the last remaining Welshman in the squad.
“I don’t know about pressure,” said Morgan. “But, just going out and trying to play and play whenever I have the opportunity, I just take them when they come. Hopefully I’ve made everyone proud.”
Rugby fans online have been full of support for Morgan’s clear-out.
“As controversial as it is, if Jac Morgan can’t clear out that ruck, the game is gone. Very tough call but there really isn’t much he could’ve done to avoid Tizzano’s neck with the way he positioned himself,” wrote one.
“Teach that clear out technique in every rugby classroom around the world. Fantastic series win!,” wrote another.
The last time the Lions won the series with a game to spare was against South Africa in 1997, with the 2025 collective writing their names into the history books.
Watch the moment the final whistle blew below.
There was a record Lions crowd at Melbourne Cricket Ground, with over 90,000 supporters in attendance, with a legendary Lions Test played out on the southeast coast.