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Electrical Storm Halts Thrilling Rugby Match Between Wallabies and Lions
2 Aug
Summary
- Game paused with Wallabies leading 8-0 in 43rd minute
- Lions lose key players Maro Itoje and Tommy Freeman to injuries
- Fans ordered inside as electrical storm hits Sydney
On August 2, 2025, a highly anticipated rugby match between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions was dramatically interrupted by an electrical storm in Sydney. The game was paused in the 43rd minute with the Wallabies leading 8-0.
The decision to stop play came just moments after a long pause while Lions lock James Ryan 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 injury, with the pair failing their head injury assessments. Australia fly half Tom Lynagh also did not return after undergoing a head injury assessment.
As the storm struck, fans in the first few rows of the stands were ordered to head inside to the concourse under cover. Rules state that play cannot resume until half-an-hour after the last lightning strike within 10 kilometres of the ground.
Despite the setback, the Lions have already secured the series victory after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with their dramatic win in Melbourne last weekend. Andy Farrell's side had been hoping to become the first tourists to whitewash their opponents since the 1927 Lions in Argentina.
