British & Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan is set to face a disciplinary review after being cited for foul play during the third test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, 3 August.
The incident, flagged by independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez, relates to a breach of Law 9.20(a) — which prohibits players from charging into a ruck or maul.
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The case will be handled through World Rugby’s expedited off-field sanction process and reviewed by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) on Sunday, 4 August. The panel will consist of Wang Shao-ing (Chair), Val Toma, and Mike Mika.
Despite Tom Lynagh clearly bracing for impact as Sheehan flew in, he was still struck in the head and forced off for a Head Injury Assessment. The 22-year-old did not return, with Ben Donaldson coming on in his place.
Outrage followed across social media, with Sydney Morning Herald’s Tom Decent blasting the decision: “Disgrace. Red card every day of the week. So dangerous. You can see Lynagh brace as he knows it’s coming. Will World Rugby stand behind their refs again this week?”
While Australia came away with the win and the series, Michael Lynagh was far from satisfied. The Wallabies legend was vocal on social media both during and after the match, sharing several posts from Australian fans and pundits slamming the lack of action from officials.
“Tragic ending” – Five Lions players who flopped in final test against Australia
Amid torrential rain, brutal conditions, and a hostile home crowd, several key Lions players failed to deliver when it mattered most.
From costly handling errors to poor decision-making and defensive lapses, these five players stood out for all the wrong reasons as the Wallabies sealed a memorable victory.
Here’s a look at the Lions’ biggest disappointments on a night that ended in heartbreak.
#1. Bundee Aki
Struggled in wet conditions, initially promising with strong carries but quickly neutralized by Australia’s defense. Committed costly handling errors, including a knock-on near his own tryline and an offside penalty that extended Australia’s lead. Missed a key pass that led to an Australian try and was frequently swallowed up by defenders. Overall, a very poor performance with uncharacteristic mistakes throughout.
Rugby Pass 3/10: “Given the conditions, there was understandably not a lot of width put on the ball, which made Aki’s hard carries all the more important, and he looked promising at first, but the Wallabies handled him comfortably as the match developed. Made a costly knock-on in front of his line, and was unceremoniously swarmed on and held up on a couple of occasions by the voracious Wallaby defence. An offside penalty allowed the Wallabies to extend their lead in the first half, and his handling deteriorated to the point where he could barely hold the ball in the second half.”
BALLS 4/10: “Swallowed up and conceded a turnover on carry off a Lions lineout. Costly knock-on near his tryline. Was getting bounced back on some hard carries. Overran line and missed Kinghorn pass, leading to Jorgensen try. Another error, on 58 minutes. Offloaded out of play, but Lions had advantage.”
Telegraph 2/10: “A Farrell loyalty pick that completely backfired. Kept turning over possession and eventually gave Jorgensen a try on a plate.”
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