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ABC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
The series is won, but both Lions and Wallabies want Sydney exclamation point
There was no disguising the British and Irish Lions' joy at having sealed the series. Why should there be? The party following the dramatic, last-gasp 29-26 victory over the Wallabies in Melbourne was well underway in the bowels of the MCG as coach Andy Farrell and captain Maro Itoje addressed the media. "See what you guys are making me miss out on," Itoje said with a laugh as a raucous rendition of Status Quo's Rockin' All Over The World carried through from the Lions dressing room next door. The mock frustration will be short lived. You get a sense that this party may be going on for a while. "These lads have dreamed of being British and Irish Lions all their lives," Farrell said. "And to get to the point where we come to the MCG, 90-odd-thousand people, with a dramatic finish like that to win the series — that is what dreams are made of. "No-one can deny that, for us now, it's a special moment for everyone. "So we are absolutely delighted that we showed the courage of what it takes to be a Lion and delighted for everyone involved." Delighted, but not satisfied. This Lions team came to win the series 3-0 and that plan has not changed. "The plan stays the same," Farrell said. "We'll make sure that we enjoy it tonight, that's for sure, because we've just made a bit of history." They sure have. The largest-ever comeback to win a Test match, after falling 18 points behind in the first half to trail 23-5. The first-ever Test win in Melbourne. The biggest-ever crowd (90,307) to watch a Wallabies-Lions Test. The first time since 1997 that a Lions team has won a series with a game to play. Perhaps it was even legendary. "Well, we've made history, haven't we?" Farrell said, having to speak louder as the volume of Rockin' All Over The World increased. "Does that warrant that type of tag? I think it does. Why not? "We came here to do what we've done. We should all celebrate that." This was a good day at the biggest office the Lions have ever played in. "It means the world," Itoje said of being a Lions winning skipper, after further illustrating the party-mood by taking a quick snap of a packed press conference room as he sat down with a disposable camera. "This has always been the goal, for the results to be this way at this point in the tour, and we're just delighted. "This is what dreams are made of." But the goal has always been 3-0. Following full time Itoje, the player of the match, took a walk around the cavernous bowl of the MCG, collecting his thoughts. "It's surreal," he said. "You know these are one of the moments in your life that you'll cherish, this will live long in the memory. "In sport, you have to move on to the next and focus on the next challenge and and no doubt we will do that after tonight's celebration. "But every now and again it's I think it's important to save in the moment. "When we met … Big Faz [Farrell] made the call that he wants us to go out here and win. He wants us to win everything. "Don't get me wrong, absolutely delighted with the result tonight. "But we want to go again next week." Finn Russell, whose magisterial right boot regularly drove the Lions forward at the MCG and who tasted success with the Lions for the first time in what is his third tour, said he would be desperate to play in the series finale next week. "I think everyone wants to play that game, but it's not really on our minds just now," Russell said, adorned with a garland made of chocolates. "I think we enjoy this and celebrate tonight, but when we come back Monday, we'll be ready to go again. "I think if we can make it a three-nil series that's amazing and I think everyone should be gunning for that. "I think everyone here has been going for it for their whole career, to get to the Lions, there's one thing, and then to get a series win … it's so special to get this. "To get the series win's amazing but it's like the job's still not done yet. "We need to go and try and finish it off next week. Even though we got the series, we need to go and finish it off and finish on a high." The party was still going as a dejected Harry Wilson and Joe Schmidt fronted the press, the walls separating the joy of victory from the devastation of defeat seemingly thinning with every new party song the Lions team deigned to belt out. "It was a heck of a Test match," Schmidt said, Sweet Caroline incongruously echoing over his words. "We're absolutely gutted. "They [the players] were broken at the end of it [the game]. "You've gotta keep your resolve and you've gotta keep going forward and we can't, and we won't, wallow in self pity because we didn't get the result. "We've gotta keep trying to build the way we play, the behaviours we demonstrate and the understanding we're trying to build of the game and how we can best play it." Schmidt was clearly still stinging from the controversial finish but said there was no need for added motivation. "Serves to probably lower spirits in the short term," Schmidt said. "I don't know that it will serve as motivation, you can't get more motivated than what the players demonstrated tonight, I don't think." Wilson, who must have wished for ear plugs to drown out the sounds of joy emanating around him, said the result was "so painful". "I'm so proud of the team, how we bounced back and played some terrific footy tonight and to not get the result, to not go to a series decider really hurts everyone. "Any opportunity to put on this gold jersey is really special for our group. "And it's a Test match. At home, so it's massive for us when we go out there. "We wanna win every single Test match. Obviously, it's not a series decider, but it's a Test match for Australia, so it's massive for us." And the Wallabies, written off after a dire 60 minutes in the first Test, will be positive about how they can stop themselves being whitewashed. The added aggression and intensity of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton turned this Wallabies side into a different animal, one that the Lions struggled to deal with. The renewed breakdown intensity forced repeated ill-discipline of the tourists that resulted in Tommy Freeman being sent to the sin bin. "I didn't think we were that bad last week," Schmidt said. "I know people reported as such, but it was three tries each and I felt we really clawed our way back into that game. "And this one, we had the game to really challenge them and we demonstrated that when we built the lead. "But they're a really good side, and the experience they have just allowed them to come and stay calm and execute their game. "I felt that we had a couple of half chances that we didn't quite nail … We will look closely back at the game, lament a couple of [missed] opportunities and also try to learn from anything that we didn't make the most of."
The 42
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The 42
Wallabies' quality makes this all the sweeter for Farrell's Lions
THE CELEBRATIONS OUT on the pitch were special, but every rugby player cherishes the moments back in the changing room the most. Getting back into the sheds with team-mates after victory, especially one as hard-fought and dramatic as the Lions' one tonight, is when the magic really starts. The Lions were in there roaring their own version of Rockin' All Over The World by the time Andy Farrell and Maro Itoje sat down to do the press conference after their 29-26 win. Fin Smith and a few others have taken ownership of the Status Quo classic, coming up with Lions-related lyrics that change every week but focus heavily on Farrell and Itoje. 'See what you guys are making me miss out on!' said Itoje with a smile as the singing boomed into the press conference room. The Lions were still going 25 minutes later, blasting out tunes throughout Joe Schmidt and Harry Wilson's sombre press conference. Angels, You Raise Me Up, and Dirty Old Town were among the tunes to get a blast from the Lions players. And then they all marched back out of the changing room, carrying chairs on their heads, many of them wearing lei necklaces made of chocolate bars. The stands at the MCG were empty by now but the Lions all gathered in the middle of the pitch and laid down their chairs in a circle, soaking in that special feeling. Hugo Keenan came out late because he'd been nabbed for an interview, so his punishment was to be sent down to the tryline where he'd scored his match winner. The Ireland fullback had to re-enact his try, much to the delight of his team-mates. They were all booted off the pitch 10 minutes later and when they finally got cleaned up and onto the bus, the entire Lions party set off for their team hotel in Melbourne where their families and friends were all waiting. It will be a special night. Advertisement Andrew Porter, Ben Earl, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO The Lions would have celebrated no matter the circumstances of their victory tonight, but there's no doubt that things were all the more raucous because of the nature of the win. With the game on the line, trailing the Wallabies by two points, and with less than three minutes remaining, the Lions got one final attacking chance from a lineout on the halfway line. They put together a brilliant passage of attack and scored through Keenan to seal the series. 'Finn doesn't do drop goals,' said Lions boss Farrell when asked if that was a consideration. 'He's not done many in his career. 'Have a look at Jamison Gibson Park's play towards the end. He's absolutely everywhere, fizzing the ball at speed, and he's been playing that way for 79 minutes. 'Have a look at the carries we had, getting over the gainline, people constantly offering themselves, the breakdown and the instinct we had to just keep on playing. It just shows the courage of the side.' There's also the fact that the Lions were 18 points behind the Wallabies at one stage of the first half. It could have been a 22-point margin if Tom Lynagh had been able to land conversions of the two tries the Aussies scored while Tommy Freeman was in the sin bin. Some sides would have been reeling at that stage, but the Lions responded muscularly, notching two tries before half time when Freeman returned from his yellow card. The Wallabies nudged themselves back into a nine-point lead with just over 25 minutes remaining, but the Lions closed the gap again. In fact, those three points from Lynagh's penalty were the only three points the Wallabies scored in the second half. The Lions did miss a few chances down in the Australian 22 in the final quarter but with their bench making a telling impact, it always felt like they could manufacture one last opportunity to win it. The occasion makes this a sweet place for the Lions to clinch the series. A crowd of 90,307 was the second-biggest at any Lions Test in history. The MCG is a beautiful stadium and the pre-match build-up was electric. Andy Farrell celebrates with his son, Owen. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO The masses of Lions supporters made themselves heard throughout and there was even a rendition of the Fields of Athenry at one point. One of the biggest roars of the night came when Jac Morgan was introduced, the huge cohort of Welsh fans delighted to see their man getting his chance. Those who were in the MCG won't forget this one. It was an epic game with an enthralling finish. The 90,307 people who came along were rewarded with total entertainment, even if the Australians' hearts were broken. The fact that the Wallabies pitched up so impressively for this game means winning will matter even more to the Lions. Any series success is enjoyable but there might have been a slightly hollow sense to it if they'd blown the Wallabies away like some were predicting. Schmidt's side were clearly very well prepared, employing a smart, simple, snappy game plan to put pressure on the Lions. Their physicality was much improved with Rob Valetini and Will Skelton back in harness, their kicking was more accurate, and their basic skills in carrying, passing, tackling, and clearing out were much improved. 'They were good, they turned up,' said Farrell. 'I suppose the drama and how it unfolded is what makes it special. We came here to win a series. To do it in that type of fashion, you wouldn't have backed us at 23-5, but to find a way adds to the story, doesn't it? 'It adds to the fairytale. To be a part of it is an honour, it really is. 2013 was special, 1-1, and being able to win it at the death, but we won quite comfortably in the end. 'To win it like that is what top-level sport is all about. It's cruel in so many ways for Australia but we stayed in the fight and we got what we deserved.' It's a major triumph for Farrell as head coach, adding another honour to his already glittering CV. His record as a winner is remarkable. He backed a strong group of his Irish players to do the job for the Lions on this tour, ignored the usual outside noise, and has been rewarded with a series success. But he's not one for taking the plaudits. 'Honestly, it's zero to do with me,' said Farrell. 'No matter what, it's been a privilege and an honour to represent these boys as a head coach. 'But I'm the one that's living the dream.'
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Live Aid's Midge Ure admits 'it's different' as he makes admission on 40th anniversary
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Live Aid's Midge Ure admitted "it's different" as he made an admission on the event's 40th anniversary. The iconic event, which was co-organised by Midge and Bob Geldof, is marking its huge milestone this year. Held at London's Wembley Stadium and John F Kennedy Stadium in the US, the concerts raised millions of pounds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The events saw unforgettable performances from rock and pop legends including Queen, Status Quo, Mick Jagger, Phil Collins, Madonna, and David Bowie. On Monday (July 14), Midge reminisced about Live Aid whilst conversing with Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins on Good Morning Britain. "I feel nostalgic for my hair. It's amazing, isn't it? None of us can believe it's 40 years. None of us can believe we're still here looking back at this and the fact that it's celebrated today," he expressed with fondness, reports the Mirror. (Image: Alamy Stock Photo) Describing the concert as more than just a music event, Midge highlighted its role in uniting people and drawing attention globally to pressing issues. "It wasn't just a music event, it was a social event. It pulled people and the planet together, and focused people on a particular problem, which is the wonderful thing about music," he said. However, Midge also touched upon factors that would make such an event a challenge in contemporary times. "There's enough trouble in the world to pull people together to try and sort. I think it's different, I think mobile phones have changed everything," he explained. "I think people live a more splintered life, very difficult now to try and coerce people into looking at one particular problem because we're all living in our own little worlds." (Image: ITV) "You can watch and listen to anything you want at any time day and night. Back then, we didn't have the internet." Richard then noted that "there wasn't a mobile phone in sight," with Midge continuing: "I don't think they were there in 1985." He concluded: "It's been noted that no flags flying, no holding phones, people remember being there. Same when I did when I was a kid watching other bands... They were living in the moment." An exhilarating new musical, titled Just For One Day, has begun playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, and tells the story of Live Aid. The production, which will close in January 2026, captures the excitement and history of that incredible day, featuring songs from the many of the iconic artists who made history at the event. Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Live Aid's Midge Ure says 'none of us can believe it' as he makes 40th anniversary admission
Live Aid's Midge Ure said "none of us can believe it" as he made a milestone admission. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic charity event, which Midge co-organised with Bob Geldof. The dual-venue concert, hosted at Wembley Stadium in London and John F Kennedy Stadium in the US, successfully raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopia. Audiences were captivated by unforgettable acts from music royalty such as Queen, Status Quo, Mick Jagger, Phil Collins, Madonna, and David Bowie. Midge reminisced about the historic occasion during his appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday (July 14), speaking with presenters Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins, reports the Mirror. "I feel nostalgic for my hair. It's amazing, isn't it? None of us can believe it's 40 years. None of us can believe we're still here looking back at this and the fact that it's celebrated today," he reflected. "It wasn't just a music event, it was a social event. It pulled people and the planet together, and focused people on a particular problem, which is the wonderful thing about music." Midge then touched upon the distinctive character of the event, and why it would be challenging to recreate something similar today. "There's enough trouble in the world to pull people together to try and sort. I think it's different, I think mobile phones have changed everything," he explained. "I think people live a more splintered life, very difficult now to try and coerce people into looking at one particular problem because we're all living in our own little worlds. "You can watch and listen to anything you want at any time day and night. Back then, we didn't have the internet." Richard also observed that "there wasn't a mobile phone in sight," with Midge continuing, "I don't think they were there in 1985." He concluded: "It's been noted that no flags flying, no holding phones, people remember being there. Same when I did when I was a kid watching other bands... They were living in the moment." An exhilarating new musical, titled Just For One Day, has begun playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, and tells the story of Live Aid. The production, which will close in January 2026, captures the excitement and history of that incredible day, featuring songs from the many of the iconic artists who made history at the event.
RTÉ News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Live Aid was 40 years ago this weekend
40 years ago this weekend, the world turned on the biggest global jukebox it had ever seen and heard as two massive concerts took place in London and Philadelphia to raise money for the famine-stricken people of Africa. It was a marathon of (mostly) great music, a typically forthright Bob Geldof, and some very emotional moments. Many will have their own personal highlights, from U2 stealing the Saturday afternoon, Elvis Costello's mic breaking down, Status Quo's rousing opening song, and the playing of The Cars' song Drive to heart-wrenching news footage of the dying peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Like countless other TV and radio stations around the world, RTÉ broadcast the live feeds from both the London and Philadelphia concerts and anchored their own coverage of what was a truly global event. Live Aid concert OnThisDay 1985 Take a look behind the scenes @RTE Watch: July 13, 2017 The late broadcaster Vincent Hanley presented RTÉ Television's coverage of Live Aid and producer Niall Mathews went on to win a Jacob's Award for the day-long programme in 1986. As well as footage of outlandish perms and mullets (and that was just the men), and stone-washed denim, thousands of Irish viewers pledged donations and bid on items for auction. 32 years since Live Aid @morningireland speaks to Bob Geldof in 1985 about the generosity of the Irish — RTÉ Archives (@RTEArchives) July 13, 2017 This was long before online banking and the RTÉ Archive clip also shows a couple donating money at the Allied Irish Bank in Donnybrook in Dublin. Given our own history of famine, it was no surprise that the Irish people gave over £7 million to Live Aid - more per capita than any other country in the world.
