• Transfer Centre
  • Live on Sky
  • Get Sky Sports
  • Kick It Out
  • Black Lives Matter
  • British South Asians in Football
  • Work @ Sky Sports
  • Terms & Conditions

Rugby Union

Lions tour 1989

The British and Irish Lions create history as they recover to beat Australia 2-1.

Sunday 21 April 2013 20:45, UK

Finlay Calder's side became the first in Lions history to win a series after losing the opening match as they defeated Australia 2-1.

  • Pogba 'sad, shocked and heartbroken' after four-year doping ban
  • Papers: Gallagher determined to fight for long-term Chelsea future
  • Rashford admits 'mistakes' but hits back over his Man Utd commitment
  • Horner reiterates denial after leak of alleged investigation material
  • Transfer Centre LIVE! Napoli president: I can't stop Osimhen from leaving
  • Rice named Premier League Player of Year at London Football Awards
  • Ten Hag demands Fulham apology and more protection for Fernandes
  • Wolff, Brown call for F1 bosses to review Horner investigation
  • Hamilton sets unexpected pace as Mercedes end F1 2024's first day on top
  • Liverpool, Arsenal or Man City? Three-way title race analysed
  • Latest News

Watch Premier League, F1, WSL, Darts and more on Sky Sports with NOW

How to watch Premier League, F1, EFL, WSL and more

  • Stream with NOW

Get Sky Sports

Get Sky Sports F1

  • Upgrade Now

1989 British Lions tour to Australia

In 1989, the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971 . Unlike previous tours to Australia, the Lions did not play any matches in New Zealand, this being the first Australia-only tour since 1899 . The side was captained by Finlay Calder .

External links

The Lions suffered a 30–12 defeat in the first test in Sydney on 1 July, then their heaviest defeat by Australia. [1] In this first test, Australia scored four tries, and flyhalf Michael Lynagh kicked 5 from 6. For the second and third tests, changes included Mike Teague , recovered from injury, at blindside flanker; Rob Andrew replacing Craig Chalmers at fly-half; and Jeremy Guscott and Scott Hastings coming into the centre positions. The team became the only Lions team ever to come from 1–0 down to win a series, winning the second test in Brisbane 19–12 and the third test in Sydney 19–18. [2] [3] The Lions completed their tour with a victory of a combined ANZAC team. Teague was named player of the series.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canberra Stadium</span> Stadium in Canberra, Australia

Canberra Stadium is a facility primarily used for rugby league and rugby union games, located adjacent to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, the capital of Australia. It is the largest sports venue by capacity in Canberra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australia national rugby league team</span> Senior mens sports team

The Australian national rugby league team , the Kangaroos , have represented Australia in senior men's rugby league football competition since the establishment of the 'Northern Union game' in Australia in 1908. Administered by the Australian Rugby League Commission, the Kangaroos are ranked first in the RLIF World Rankings. The team is the most successful in Rugby League World Cup history, having contested all 16 and won 12 of them, failing to reach the final only once, in the inaugural tournament in 1954. Only five nations have beaten Australia in test matches, and Australia has an overall win percentage of 70%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin Hastings</span> British Lions & Scotland international rugby union player

Andrew Gavin Hastings, is a Scottish former rugby union player. A fullback, he is widely regarded to be one of the best ever Scottish rugby players and was one of the outstanding players of his generation, winning 61 caps for Scotland, 20 of which as captain. He played for Watsonians, London Scottish, Cambridge University, Scotland and the British Lions. He twice toured with the Lions, to Australia in 1989 and as captain on the 1993 tour to New Zealand.

James Telfer is a Scottish former rugby union coach and player. As a player, he won 21 international caps in the amateur era, also having a career as a headmaster at Hawick High School and Galashiels Academy and Forrester High School as a chemistry teacher. With Sir Ian McGeechan he had success with both the Scotland national team and the British Lions.

John Ross Beattie is a Scottish broadcaster and former rugby union player.

Andrew Robertson Irvine is a former president of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), and a former Scottish international rugby player. He earned fifty one Scotland caps, captaining the team on fifteen occasions, and scored 250 points for Scotland. He went on three British Lions tours.

John Jeffrey is a former Scotland international rugby union player. He is an administrator for World Rugby.

Craig Minto Chalmers is a former Scotland international rugby union player and coach. He represented Scotland, the British Lions and the Barbarians at international level. He made 60 international appearances as a player for the Scotland national team and scored 166 points. He played at fly-half with his playing career beginning at Melrose in the amateur era and with the professional era seeing him play Border Reivers and Glasgow Warriors before moving on to English sides Harlequins, Worcester Warriors and Pertemp Bees. He had coaching roles with Melrose and the Scotland national under-20 rugby union team. He later has had a business career in security.

Michael Clive Teague is a former England and British Lions rugby union footballer.

Alan Victor Tait is a former Scottish dual-code rugby footballer, and now coach. He is a defence coach at the Super 6 side Southern Knights. He was previously head coach at Newcastle Falcons and a former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer. He played outside centre for Scotland (RU), and the British and Irish Lions. He played club rugby union for Kelso, Edinburgh and the Newcastle Falcons; and club rugby league for Widnes and Leeds.

Damian Cronin is a former Scotland international rugby union player.

The 1984 New Zealand rugby union tour of Australia was a series of fourteen rugby union matches played by the New Zealand national rugby union team in Australia in July and August 1984. The All Blacks won thirteen games and lost only the first of the three international matches against the Australia national rugby union team. It was the 25th tour of Australia by a New Zealand team.

The 1981 Italy rugby union tour of Australia was a series of matches played between June and August 1981 in Australia by in Australia by Italy national rugby union team. No test matches was played. It was the first visit to Australia by an Italian rugby team, and follow after one year the tour of New Zealand and Pacific.

The 1987 Korea rugby union tour of Australia was a series of five matches played by the Korea national rugby union team in Australia in 1987. The Korea team lost all five of their five matches, including the international match against the Australia national rugby union team.

The 1989 Kangaroo Tour of New Zealand was a mid-season tour of New Zealand by the Australia national rugby league team. The Australians played six matches on tour, including a three test series against the New Zealand national rugby league team. The tour began on 4 July and finished on 23 July.

The 1985 Kangaroo Tour of New Zealand was a mid-season tour of New Zealand by the Australia national rugby league team. The Australians played six matches on tour, including the final two games of a three-game test series against the New Zealand with the first test taking place in Brisbane on 18 June. The NZ tour began on 19 June and finished on 10 July.

The 1958 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 11th tour of Australia and New Zealand and took place from May to November 1958. The Lions played 26 games on tour including the three test Ashes series against Australia and two tests against New Zealand.

The 1956–57 Kangaroo tour was the ninth Kangaroo tour, in which the Australian national rugby league team travelled to Great Britain and France and played twenty-eight matches, including the Ashes series of three Test matches against Great Britain and three Test matches against the French. It followed the tour of 1952-53 and the next was staged in 1959-60.

Anzac XV , often stylised as ANZAC XV , and often cited as Australia–New Zealand XV , is a combined rugby union team, consisting of players eligible to represent either Australia or New Zealand. The name "Anzac" comes from Australia and New Zealand's involvement in World War I. The Australian War Memorial states that "the formation in which Australian and New Zealand soldiers in Egypt were grouped before the landing on Gallipoli in April 1915." The team was initially supposed to be a "Barbarian-style" side combining many Wallabies and All Blacks. However many New Zealand-picked players dropped from the squad before the match against the Lions in 1989.

  • 1 2 McMurtrie, Bill (10 July 1989). "Lions manage to regain pride" . The Glasgow Herald . p.   18 . Retrieved 27 December 2022 .
  • 1 2 McMurtrie, Bill (17 July 1989). "Campese's error ensures that the Lions get their just reward. Australia 18 British Isles 19" . The Glasgow Herald . p.   18 . Retrieved 27 December 2022 .
  • ↑ "Nine test players to take on Lions" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 6 June 1989. p.   24 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Sluggish Lions sneak home" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 15 June 1989. p.   18 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Qld no match for tourists in front-line duel" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 18 June 1989. p.   16 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Lions promise fast, open game" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 21 June 1989. p.   46 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Calm Chalmers saves battered Lions' pride" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 25 June 1989. p.   18 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Aussies will wilt under Lions' fire" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 28 June 1989. p.   47 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Hall in Lions line-up" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 29 June 1989. p.   20 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Dwyer admits to 'rough side' " . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 30 June 1989. p.   18 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Australia 20 Lions 12" . ESPN. 1 July 1989 . Retrieved 3 July 2013 .
  • ↑ Foster, Michael (29 June 1989). "Intense training as Lions approach" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. p.   20 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ Foster, Michael (4 July 1989). "Times Sport - ACT prode, record to test Lions" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. p.   26 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ Foster, Michael (5 July 1989). "Stupid errors cost ACT prized scalp" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. p.   44 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Lions claw their way to victory" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 9 July 1989. p.   16 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Lions re-find their roar" . ESPN. 8 July 1989 . Retrieved 3 July 2013 .
  • ↑ "Times Sport - ARU condemns violence on Test eve" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 15 July 1989. p.   40 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Australia 18 Lions 19" . ESPN. 15 July 1989 . Retrieved 3 July 2013 .
  • ↑ "Long takes charge for Lions" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 19 July 1989. p.   50 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Injury woes beset Anzac rugby team" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 18 July 1989. p.   26 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Lions' final match against Anzacs 'no anti-climax' " . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 23 July 1989. p.   16 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • ↑ "Worries continue as Lions beat Anzacs" . The Canberra Times . Canberra: National Library of Australia. 24 July 1989. p.   22 . Retrieved 31 August 2022 .
  • 1 2 Rugby Football Union, "Official programme of 1990 Four Home Unions vs Rest of Europe programme, 1990, Rugby Football Union
  • 1989 British Lions tour to Australia at ESPN
  • Article on the tour at Lionsrugby
  • 1989 British Lions tour to Australia at Lions Tour History
  • 1989 British Lions tour to Australia Squad where are they now
  • The Power of Four
  • Living with Lions
  • searchSportsTeamPlayers...

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

F1 - Abu Dhabi GP

  • Full results

ESPN Other Live >>

About cookies.

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

  • Write For us

british lions tour 1989

Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours

#8 ‘Lions Flashback’- Australia v British and Irish Lions; 1989; 3rd Test

  • share on Facebook
  • share on Twitter
  • share on WhatsApp
  • share on Linkedin
  • share on Flipboard
  • share on Email

british lions tour 1989

Getting closer in our countdown to the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, it is only fitting that  Last Word On Rugby offer rugby fans a ‘Lions flashback’ or two. Continuing today, follow us as we recall ten of the best clashes from historic tours.

#8 : From this 1989 Lions flashback, the final test of the tour to Australia was a pivotal result. The era of All Black dominance had begun in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Bob Dwyer coached Wallabies were in a stage of rebuilding. Inviting the British and Irish Lions over, it continued a strong history of clashes between the two sides .

The first inbound tour to the Australian continent only [not combined with a trip to New Zealand] it placed all the focus on the eternal battle of the United Kingdom v the Colonies . And the bitter rivalry was seen often, in a ‘hard as nails’ series. Supported by a huge crowd (as seen in the attached footage) it was a popular tour–as was the 2001 and 2013 series. A trip to Australia was a sun-soaked tour, that rivals the Ashes for colour and emotion.

‘Lions Flashback’ – Third Test Decider

After the opening win to the home side, the British and Irish Lions did fantastically well to even the rubber, winning in Brisbane 12-19. This set-up the final match back in Sydney as the tipping point for the series result.

With pride on the line, Australia needed to chase a win, and the Lions controlled much of the pace of the game. With the boot of Gavin Hastings, they opened the scoring amid tussles and many blood noses. It was tough grind, and the small mistakes added to the barrage coming from the men in wearing University red.

Michael Lynagh had several attempts at goal, but strangely his boot was not always on target in this series, but with Nick Farr-Jones (see picture below) their combination did threaten the visitors often. The halfbacks battle was a fierce one, with pushes, shoves and more given during the series.

british lions tour 1989

With an experienced pack, the Wallabies had many strengths, so the Ian McGeechan coached Lions needed to show good composure. The Aussie side pushed hard, although some hail mary passes would breakdown their attack often. But still, with their invention the last play of the first half saw a precision backline scissor-move send Ian Williams over the line. It was the best reply possible, to send his mates back into the sheds at  9-9.

Match balanced, and deserving of a Classic Finish

The men in red were are scattering of home nations greats, with the likes of Brian Moore, Dean Richards and Jeremy Guscott. Ieuan Evans and Robert Jones (Wales) running beside the Hastings brothers. With that talent, it meant that the Wallabies needed to defend stoutly. Aggressive tackling keeping the Lions behind the advantage line–for most of the game.

On occasion, interpretation of the breakdown laws had Mike Teague penalized. What today might earn a yellow card for cynical play, it gave the home side a 12-9 lead. But with the cries from the crowd “Lions, Lions, Lions”. That noise could have put off the players, as in a classic commentators moment, the great David Campese used what was called “Mickey Mouse rugby” on his own goal line.

Trying to link with Greg Martin, they blundered badly, and Welsh winger Evans pounced. It was a horrible moment, that took the home side from sublime to the ridiculous. And like today, moments can turn the tide in a match.

Lions take the lead and hold off Wallaby flurry of fireworks

british lions tour 1989

Ahead now, the Lions would go on to hold off all attempts on their line. There were fireworks in every lineout, where the Australian locks the ‘Twin Towers’ of Bill Campbell and  Steve Cutler had a great battle with Paul Ackford (in the days before lifting players). It showed the great skillset from years ago. One man who came to the fore was Lions captain, Finlay Calder . The Scottish open-side flanker was a pest [somewhat like the Rabbit who made it’s way onto the field]. His leadership was cool-headed, while Hastings soon kicked his fifth penalty to extend the lead.

The home side were peppered with high balls, and fullback Martin was under pressure, and the visitors were playing more as a unit. Often taking turnover ball, they lifted each other and as the Lions were more aggressive, they also committed more infringements.

Lynagh took the chance to convert two further penalties, with 14 points himself in a sterling effort from the first-five. French referee was critical of the Lions defensive play, and images of Ian McGeechan with his head in his hands show the gravity of the occasion. Giving fans hope, it helped the match build up to a huge crescendo.

Crowd urge on Wallabies – Lions repel efforts

Right at the death, Australia were desperate and ran the ball from anywhere. Not quite enough to breakthrough the strong line from the visitors, who as shown in this Lions flashback, were near exhaustion near the conclusion. Breathless action, and what a finish!! The Lions hold on, winning the close game, 18-19.

When asked post-match what his reaction to the win was, David Sol answered emphatically “Massive!”. The look on players faces (see below) said it all. Pure elation.

british lions tour 1989

This test was a gripping encounter. Not necessarily with many tries, but the pressure was immense. It was followed 12 years later, as the Martin Johnson captained side were held 2-1, with Matthew Burke the hero of the final test. That was followed by 2013, where a Warren Gatland coached side would rebuild the Lions aura, with yet another 1-2 test series win.

________________________________________________________________________

Follow our ‘Lions flashback’ series , building up towards the opening game of the British and Irish Lions tour, on June 3.

british lions tour 1989

About Author

british lions tour 1989

Scott Hornell, Managing Editor

Scott is building a strong base in Journalism and Online Sports reporting, and he is our Managing Editor for the LWOS Rugby department. Scott produces content on both Rugby, League and contributes towards his other passion - Motorsports. Scott currently reports on Super Rugby/Bunnings NPC, and the Rugby Championship/International rugby, as well as the NRL.

  • Rugby Championship
  • Six Nations
  • Developing Nations
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Champions Cup
  • Challenge Cup
  • United Rugby Championship
  • Super Rugby
  • NPC (National Provincial Championship)
  • Premiership
  • HSBC Sevens Series
  • 7s Tournament
  • Women’s Rugby
  • Farah Palmer Cup
  • Rugby League

british lions tour 1989

This program is not currently available in ABC iview. You might like similar programs to this, shown below. Learn more in ABC iview Support.

British Lions Tour 1989

Video share options, share this on, send this by.

In 1989 the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971, playing three iconic matches in three cities.

British Irish Lions Squad 1989

british lions tour 1989

British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia 1989 1989 British & Irish Lions Squad Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Related Players

Related fixtures, latest news, rob kearney's iconic lions performance, british & irish lions trust announce charity partnerships, six nations: as things stand, barry john: rugby world and beyond pay tribute to 'the king'.

  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Test Match - Australia v British Lions 89

How the Lions battled in Ballymore to win the second Test in 1989

The build-up.

It is hard to imagine a more depressing scene than the Lions' dressing room at the conclusion of their 30-12 thrashing against Australia in the first Test at Sydney . Outscored by four tries to nil, outfought and out-thought, the job of surveying the wreckage and picking up the players must have looked a daunting prospect to coaches Ian McGeechan and Roger Uttley, along with manager Clive Rowlands, but with only six days until the second Test at Brisbane, there was very little time for wallowing in defeat or licking wounds.

"Tactically we didn't do what we said we would do," said McGeechan, although he was sure in the lead-up to the second Test that his squad were now well-versed in what was to be expected of them: "Now they know quite clearly what aim they have in mind and I have mapped out the priorities for them." Through all the criticism flung at the team, McGeechan remained convinced that the squad were the most committed he had ever worked with, adding that the players did not mysteriously become poor overnight.

Of the many clouds that hung over the Lions tour, the darkest of all remained the form of the skipper Finlay Calder, an issue that refused to go away between Test matches. Such was Calder's devastation after the first Test, he took the defeat very personally, even fronting the squad and offering to stand down if it was best for the team. The players and management turned down the request and vowed to back their skipper. It was probably just as well; come the end of the week Calder was pretty much the only fit flanker in the squad.

The midweek fixture against the Australian Capital Territories took on even greater significance in the wake of the first Test capitulation. David Hands' assertion in the Times that "the response of the whole party in terms of character and commitment against ACT will be instructive too" turned out to be prophetic, as what was to follow developed into the turning point of the tour.

Trailing 18-4 and then 21-11, the Lions were beginning to resemble a rabble, the whole campaign in danger of heading down the plughole. Luckily, the tipping point had been reached, and from now no one would be laughing at the Lions in Australia.

The performance of Donal's Doughnuts may not have pretty. Many experts, including the ACT skipper Brad Girvan, lambasted the Lions for not utilising their backs more, but in terms of character, the response in turning such a deficit into a 41-25 win was telling.

Winger Mike Hall, one of the try scorers, spoke recently of the importance of the ACT match: "When we came back to the dressing room after the match, the players who were not playing – the Test team – lined the narrow corridor and clapped us in. We sat in the changing room for a long while and said that we were not going to lose another game. There had been a momentum shift. Every tour has its decisive point where it can go one way or the other. How we responded when we were 21-11 down was ours in 1989."

With a mini-crisis averted, McGeechan turned his attentions to assessing his injury list and attempting to pick a winning formula for the fast-approaching Test match. The return of Wade Dooley and Scott Hastings against ACT was a bonus, but injury doubts over flankers John Jeffrey, Andy Robinson, and most importantly Mike Teague, were a major headache, delaying the announcement of the Test XV until the latest time possible.

Teague would come through a late fitness test on his shoulder and replace Derek White, McGeechan praising the work of his medical staff (Ben Gilfeather and Kevin Murphy) in getting the England man ready, and the inclusion of Dooley in place of Rob Norster, gave the pack a very English look (Brian Moore, Paul Ackford and Dean Richards were also selected).

Two other Englishmen were also drafted into the backs department. Rob Andrew's selection in place of the inexperienced Craig Chalmers was hardly a surprise, yet Jeremy Guscott's Lions debut was a little unexpected, although the youngster was definitely confident enough to make his bow. For Guscott, it completed a heady three months, in which he had won the league and cup with Bath, and scored a hat-trick on his England debut against Romania, before slowly showing on tour that he had the ability to mix it at the top level.

His partner at centre was confirmed as Scott Hastings, finally declared 100% fit after battling a hamstring strain. The pair replaced Hall and Brendan Mullin, the absence of the latter meaning that there was no Irish representation in the final XV.

Australia made two changes from their first Test starting side. Acura Niuqila made way for winger Ian Williams, who returned to the team after finishing his final exams at Oxford. Cameron Lillicrap had not fully recovered from the injury that saw him leave the field at Sydney so Mark Hartill once again filled the void.

Australia were confident before the Test. It would have been a brave man, or a particularly mad Brit, who saw any way back for the Lions. Indeed, Hands again seemed to hit the nail on the head, writing on the eve of the match: "There is no obvious reason to suggest that the Lions can, in a week, recover the ground they have already lost." It was an opinion you really couldn't disagree with at the time.

Australia : Martin, Williams, Maguire, Walker, Campese, Lynagh, Farr-Jones; Hartill, Lawton, Crowley, Campbell, Cutler, Gourley, Miller, Tuynman

Lions : G Hastings (S), Evans (W), S Hastings (S), Guscott (E), Underwood (E), Andrew (E), Jones (W); Sole (S), Moore (E), Young (W), Ackford (E), Dooley (E), Teague (E), Calder (S), Richards (E)

From the off it was apparent that if the Lions were going to go down then they would do so fighting. The team had spoken in great lengths about not taking a backward step, and in a bruising encounter, given the obligatory Battle of Ballymore title, the first five minutes set the tone for the what was to follow.

At a scrum, Rob Jones – already irked at some rough treatment from Steve Tuynman and Jeff Miller, and continuing a feud that had started during the New South Wales match with his fellow scrum half – threw the first brick into the hornets nest, treading on Nick Farr-Jones' foot, prompting a free-for-all involving both packs . As French referee Rene Hourquet grappled on the floor with the two scrum-halves, he must have been aware that he was in for a very interesting day.

The biggest moment of controversy was yet to come; Dai Young's blatant kick aimed at Steve Cutler's head in a ruck set the wheels in motion for another scrap , with the Welsh prop extremely lucky to stay on the pitch. In all, four Australians – Greg Martin, Tuynman, Lynagh and Farr-Jones – would finish the match with a total of 25 stitches between them, nothing unusual in that of course in rugby, but the Lions aggressive approach was widely admonished throughout the match and after it, especially in Australia. It was evident that be it a winning or losing Lions team, the tourists could not please everyone, but the ends certainly justified the means come the final whistle.

Among the battle, a game of rugby broke out occasionally. Again it would be Australia who would score the first try, Michael Lynagh once more instrumental in setting up Martin for his second try in a week. A Rob Andrew drop goal at the end of the first half reduced Australia's advantage to 9-6, crucially putting the Lions within touching distance, and when the two exchanged penalties at the start of the second period, the match looked set for a tense finale.

And then to another turning point of the match and the tour; Lynagh's unexpected penalty miss from 32m. His effort rebounded off the upright and kept the Lions just three points in arrears, setting up the grandstand finish that still does funny things to the hairs on my middle-aged neck.

The Lions continued dominance of the rucks finally paid dividends, when Brian Moore cleared the way for Calder to feed Andrew, who in turn released Scott Hastings. His pass to his older brother wasn't the greatest, but Gavin Hastings scooped up the ball, handed-off Maguire, before scoring the Lions' first international try of the tour in the 74th minute .

Although the conversion was missed, the force was now with the away team, David Campese twice dropping high balls, the latter leading to the clincher, as wave upon wave of pressure thundered down on the Aussies. The final delicious moment was near.

With Calder now driving forward with growing confidence, Moore again featured, this time acting as scrum-half spinning a pass to Andrew, who then found the debutant Guscott. In a heartbeat, the 24-year-old put through a grubber kick, racing on to the ball himself to put the icing on the cake , and to bury a week of agony and angst for the visitors. Andrew's conversion completed a quite remarkable 19-12 victory for the Lions, such a dramatic turnaround from the events of the Saturday before, so unexpected, that even to this day it seems barely believable.

There were many fine performances that enabled the Lions to square the series , yet most reports agreed that the return of Dooley – which negated the dominance Cutler had enjoyed in the first Test – and Teague's influence were key. Still not fully fit from his shoulder strain, the flanker admitted that he played through the pain barrier in order to help the cause, and along with the rest of the pack he ensured that the Australians knew they were a much different beast from the weekend before. As the match progressed, the momentum of both the Lions and Calder grew exponentially, the skipper's stature expanding as the Lions drove on in search of a reward for their determined display.

Whereas Calder's demeanour the week before had been one of an emotional and distraught individual, the Test win at Brisbane saw a relieved man, fully content with the outcome of the match. But Calder and the coaching staff probably knew what was coming their way after the win, as journalists questioned the Lions forceful methods.

The aftermath

When grilled regarding the over-physicality of the Lions' game plan, coach McGeechan was adamant that the line had not been crossed between aggression and violence: "When players are motivated in that way, you have occasions when players will react. I don't think there was anything vicious in it." Calder also defended the tactics, again using the commitment word in his after match interviews: "We got stuck in. Commitment is everything. It's a contact sport first and last. If you are committed, you win the ball. If you stand off, you're lost."

In the week leading up to the deciding Test, McGeechan and Calder would constantly face interrogation with regards to the Battle of Ballymore, but the pair remained strong, taking any flak that came their way, ensuring a siege mentality enveloped the squad.

The Australian press cried foul. "Once you get the Aussie press whinging and whining, for me you know you've got them," said Gavin Hastings on Sky's recent 1989 And All That programme, but even the British media seemed concerned about the actions of certain Lions players. Australia's hooker, Tom Lawton, brandished some of the opposition a bunch of "headkickers" in the Sydney Daily Telegraph, adding "A couple of them seem to think Test match football is about hitting people rather than playing the game", yet skipper Farr-Jones was a lot less damning: "We've all played Tests before and we expected. It wasn't overdone."

Speaking recently, Farr-Jones' opinion remains the same, although he did express disappointment at not going toe-to-toe with the Lions and matching fire with fire. Prop Dan Crowley also admitted that perhaps the Australians were slightly taken aback by the ferocity of the Lions, so in that regard, and in terms of the scoreboard, the strategy had worked.

The Lions management would reprimand Young for his actions a few days later, but for now the squad took a well-earned break in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, in preparation for the deciding Test in Sydney. "Bloodbath! Lions set for final showdown" announced the Express, predicting more of the same on the following Saturday. The winner takes all clash would be equally as dramatic, a moment of madness ultimately deciding the series, and earning the 1989 Lions squad their place in history.

None of this would have been possible though without the Battle of Ballymore, and regardless of whether you condone or condemn the events of that second Test, the zero to hero comeback at Brisbane made for compulsive sporting theatre.

This is an article from our Guardian Sport Network

This blog first appeared on That 1980s Sports Blog

  • Rugby union
  • That 1980s sports blog
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Lions tour 2013
  • Australia sport
  • Australia rugby union team

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

1989 British Lions tour to Australia

In 1989, the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971 . Unlike previous tours to Australia, the Lions did not play any matches in New Zealand, this being the first Australia-only tour since 1899 . The side was captained by Finlay Calder .

The Lions suffered a 30–12 defeat in the first test in Sydney on 1 July, then their heaviest defeat by Australia. In this first test, Australia scored four tries, and flyhalf Michael Lynagh kicked 5 from 6. For the second and third tests, changes included Mike Teague , recovered from injury, at blindside flanker; Rob Andrew replacing Craig Chalmers at fly-half; and Jeremy Guscott and Scott Hastings coming into the centre positions. The team became the only Lions team ever to come from 1–0 down to win a series, winning the second test in Brisbane 19–12 and the third test in Sydney 19–18. The Lions completed their tour with a victory of a combined ANZAC team. Teague was named player of the series.

  • " The Power of Four "
  • Living with Lions
  • 1989 rugby union tours
  • British & Irish Lions tours of Australia
  • 1989 in Australian rugby union
  • 1987–88 in British rugby union
  • 1987–88 in Irish rugby union
  • 1988–89 in Irish rugby union

This page was last updated at 2023-12-22 23:33 UTC. Update now . View original page .

All our content comes from Wikipedia and under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License .

If mathematical, chemical, physical and other formulas are not displayed correctly on this page, please use Firefox or Safari

BBC

McGeechan to become director of rugby at Doncaster

F ormer Scotland and British and Irish Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan is to become consultant director of rugby at Championship club Doncaster Knights.

McGeechan will act as a mentor to their head coach Joe Ford.

The 77-year-old led Scotland to their last Grand Slam in 1990 and the Lions to series victories in 1989 and 1997.

"I cannot think of a better mentor for head coach Joe Ford or a better fount of knowledge for the whole team," said Doncaster president Steve Knight.

Born in Yorkshire to a Scottish father, McGeechan played all his club rugby for Headingley, but went on to win 32 caps for Scotland, captaining them nine times.

He also went on two Lions tours in 1974 and 1977, but it is as a coach that he has really left his mark.

Appointed Scotland coach in 1988, his crowning moment came two years later with an iconic 13-7 victory over England at Murrayfield to clinch a Five Nations Grand Slam.

By that stage he had already established himself as a Lions legend when his first tour as head coach in 1989 brought a 2-1 series victory in Australia.

He was at the helm for a narrow 2-1 series defeat in New Zealand four years later, before masterminding an against-the-odds series win over world champions South Africa in 1997, a tour immortalised in the 'Living with Lions' film which included footage of stirring pre-match speeches to his players.

'Passion for Yorkshire rugby'

McGeechan also demonstrated his coaching nous at club level, winning the European Cup with Wasps in 2007 and the English Premiership in 2008.

He also returned for a fourth Lions tour as head coach in 2009, which ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat in South Africa following three thrilling Tests.

Doncaster currently lie second in the Championship , 12 points behind Ealing Trailfinders.

However, there is currently no promotion spot available into the Premiership.

But as the Knights approach their 150th anniversary, they hope that McGeechan can impart some of his rugby wisdom.

Club president Lloyd told the club's website : "After a relationship spanning a number of years, during which we have both fought, with others, for the betterment of Championship rugby, together with our mutual passion for Yorkshire rugby, Ian, or Geech to all who know him, has very willingly agreed to come and give us a hand creating the future at Castle Park."

  • Subscribe to the Rugby Union Daily podcast

Sir Ian McGeechan (left) celebrates with Matt Dawson after the British and Irish Lions series win in South Africa in 1997

IMAGES

  1. British & Irish Lions

    british lions tour 1989

  2. The Lions were the dirtiest around... the historic Battle of Ballymore

    british lions tour 1989

  3. British & Irish Lions

    british lions tour 1989

  4. Golden Years Lions Special

    british lions tour 1989

  5. How the Lions capitulated to Australia in the first Test of the 1989

    british lions tour 1989

  6. Sport, Rugby Union International, British Lions Tour of Australia

    british lions tour 1989

COMMENTS

  1. 1989 British Lions tour to Australia

    In 1989, the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971.Unlike previous tours to Australia, the Lions did not play any matches in New Zealand, this being the first Australia-only tour since 1899.The side was captained by Finlay Calder.. The Lions suffered a 30-12 defeat in the first test in Sydney on 1 July, then their heaviest defeat by Australia.

  2. British & Irish Lions

    The squad. The Lions took a squad of 30 players to Australia in 1989 and called up two replacements while on tour. England's Rob Andrew and Tony Clement of Wales joined the party Down Under, but despite the ferocity of some of the rugby, no forward replacement was called upon during the six-week tour. Much was made of possible tensions ...

  3. The Lions tour of 1989: the footnote that should have been a landmark

    The 1989 British and Irish Lions, who beat Australia after losing the opening Test, believe history has not given them sufficient credit ... "It was a marvellous tour under the best Lions' captain ...

  4. British & Irish Lions

    In 1989 the Lions travelled solely to Australia for the first time since 1899 and took home a 2-1 series victory before 1993's Tour to New Zealand, the last of the amateur era. ... The first British & Irish Lions Tour was the brainchild of former England cricketers Alfred Shaw - who famously bowled the first ever ball in Test cricket, Arthur ...

  5. RUGBY HQ

    Rugby HQ reporter Andrew Swain re-caps the 1989 British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia. See more of both throughout June on Rugby HQ, LIVE every Thursday ...

  6. Remembering the build-up to the Lions' matches against Australia in 1989

    The 1980s had not been all that kind to the British and Irish Lions before 1989. In fact, the decade had been such a disappointment thus far that David Hands, writing in the Times, described the ...

  7. How the Lions capitulated to Australia in the first Test of the 1989 tour

    From a results point of view there could be no doubting that so far the 1989 Lions tour to Australia had been a roaring success (excuse the obvious pun). ... forecast victory for the British Isles ...

  8. British & Irish Lions

    The British & Irish Lions had the chance to make history in the final Test of the 1989 Tour of Australia. No Lions side had ever won a series having lost the opening Test. But with the series all-square, a win in Sydney would cement this team - led by head coach Ian McGeechan and captain Finlay Calder - in the record books. THE TEAM.

  9. Lions tour 1989

    Lions tour 1989 The British and Irish Lions create history as they recover to beat Australia 2-1. Last Updated: 21/04/13 8:45pm. Australia had been entrusted to host a whole tour for the first ...

  10. Nick Farr-Jones voted biggest hero of 1989 British & Irish Lions Tour

    They were also the first Lions team to visit Australia in a full-blown Lions tour since 1899. With 12 matches, and three Tests, the 1989 Tour was the only sizeable British tour to Australia since ...

  11. British & Irish Lions

    The team was organised by the Four Home Unions Committee and the players were given the status of official British Lions. The Lions tour to Australia in 1989 was a shorter affair, being only 12 matches in total. The tour was very successful for the Lions, who won all eight non-test matches and won the test series against Australia, two to one.

  12. 1989 British Lions tour to Australia

    In 1989, the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971. Unlike previous tours to Australia, the Lions did not play any matches in New Zealand, this being the first Australia-only tour since 1899. The side was captained by Finlay Calder. 1989 British Lions tour to Australia - WikiM

  13. The British Lions' famous 1989 series win in Australia

    The 1989 British Lions tour of Australia will be remembered as one of the most confrontational battles to be seen in Lions rugby history. More importantly though, it was a tour that produced a historic Series victory for the Down Under.

  14. British & Irish Lions: 1989 Lions

    Enlarge. In 1989, Ian McGeechan led a British & Irish Lions party for the first time as coach and made history. They became the first Lions team to comeback from an opening Test loss to win the series and the tour proved to be a launch pad for a number of players. Nearly 25 years on, we look back at that crop of players and provide an update on ...

  15. #8 'Lions Flashback'- Australia v British and Irish Lions; 1989; 3rd Test

    #8: From this 1989 Lions flashback, the final test of the tour to Australia was a pivotal result.The era of All Black dominance had begun in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Bob Dwyer coached Wallabies were in a stage of rebuilding. Inviting the British and Irish Lions over, it continued a strong history of clashes between the two sides.. The first inbound tour to the Australian continent only ...

  16. British Lions Tour 1989 : ABC iview

    In 1989 the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971, playing three iconic matches in three cities. ... British Lions Tour 1989. SPORT. Video Share Options Share this on. Facebook; Twitter; Send this by. Email; Copy link; In 1989 the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971, playing three iconic matches ...

  17. British & Irish Lions

    British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia 1989 1989 British & Irish Lions Squad Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland. Related Players Related Fixtures Latest News In memory of Brian Price: 1937-2023 . Feature: Dr James Robson . Lions Legend: The story of Derek Quinnell ...

  18. British and Irish Lions 1989, where are they now?: in pictures

    Evans' 1989 series-winning try against Australia wasn't his only magic moment during the third Lions Test. Glancing up at the big screen during a break in play, Evans spotted a rabbit on the pitch ...

  19. How the Lions battled in Ballymore to win the second Test in 1989

    How we responded when we were 21-11 down was ours in 1989." With a mini-crisis averted, McGeechan turned his attentions to assessing his injury list and attempting to pick a winning formula for ...

  20. 1989 British Lions tour to Australia

    1989 British Lions Tour to AustraliaDate15 May - 16 JulyCoach(es)Ian McGeechanTour captain(s) Finlay CalderTest series winnersBritish Lions (2-1)Top test point scorer(s) Gavin Hastings (28)← New Zealand 1983 New Zealand 1993 → In 1989 the British Lions toured Australia for the first time since 1971. Unlike previous tours to Australia, the Lions did not play any matches in New Zealand ...

  21. Rugby Test Match 1989 (3rd)

    Test 3 - July 15, 1989 -- Sydney Football Stadium

  22. Wallabies vs British Lions

    Wallabies vs British Lions - 2nd Test (1989). Played at Ballymore Oval in Brisbane on the 8th July 1989.

  23. France vs British Lions (1989)

    France vs British & Irish Lions, 1989. As part of the celebrations for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution, in 1989 France played a British Lions team. The match was classed as a friendly or exhibition game and thus test caps were not awarded. Match. 4 October 1989

  24. McGeechan to become director of rugby at Doncaster

    Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan is to become consultant director of rugby at Doncaster Knights. ... a Lions legend when his first tour as head coach in 1989 ...

  25. McGeechan to become director of rugby at Doncaster

    Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan is to become consultant director of rugby at Doncaster Knights. ... a Lions legend when his first tour as head coach in 1989 ...