Lions Need a Whitewash to Cement Their Legacy

The British and Irish Lions have achieved something extraordinary by securing a Test series victory. But for this squad to be celebrated as one of the greatest in history, they must complete the whitewash against the Wallabies.

How does this team compare to legendary Lions sides from 1989, 1997, and 2013? It’s a difficult question to answer definitively. The opposition—Australia—has struggled in recent years, and part of me wishes the Lions had been pushed to their limits in South Africa or New Zealand. Yet, as the old adage goes, you can only defeat what’s in front of you. While the Wallabies faltered in Brisbane, their resurgence in Melbourne proved they remain a dangerous side.

So, was that second-Test performance a glimpse of Australia’s true level, or just a fleeting moment of defiance? The answer will become clearer in the coming weeks as their international season unfolds.

Stepping Into History

Hours after their Melbourne triumph, the Lions players gathered at the iconic MCG, soaking in the magnitude of what they had achieved. For many, this was the stuff of childhood dreams—a memory that will last a lifetime. But somewhere amid the celebrations, I hope they considered the rare opportunity in front of them: the chance to accomplish something no Lions team has done in nearly a century.

The last time the Lions swept a Test series was in 1927, against Argentina. To replicate that feat today would elevate this team to legendary status, ensuring they are remembered alongside rugby’s all-time greats.

It reminds me of the European Ryder Cup team’s triumph in Italy last year. After reclaiming the trophy, all 12 players sat together, basking in victory—but Rory McIlroy quickly shifted focus to the next challenge, knowing that true greatness requires continued dominance.

Similarly, the Lions must think beyond simply winning the series. If they complete the whitewash in Sydney, their legacy will be set in stone.

Learning from the Past

I was part of the last Lions side to go 2-0 up in a series—the 1997 tour of South Africa. After our victory in Durban, the celebrations were wild. But the altitude, injuries, and sheer exhaustion made the third Test feel like a blur. Family and friends swarmed us, and a bizarre one-off match in Australia preoccupied some players. Though we spoke about chasing a clean sweep, realistically, South Africa would never allow it. Their pride was too fierce, their intensity unmatched.

This current squad, however, has openly discussed the whitewash—something we never did in ’97. The difference? This team believes in their superiority, and rightfully so. With Australia’s inconsistency, the Lions have a genuine shot at history.

Controversy and the Path Forward

One major talking point from Melbourne was Jac Morgan’s clearance before Hugo Keenan’s decisive try. Many Australians feel aggrieved, believing a penalty should have been given. Personally, I didn’t think it warranted a whistle—but referees have made similar calls in the past. It was a bold decision, and while the Wallabies have a right to feel frustrated, the better team ultimately won.

Australia’s first-half brilliance was undone by defensive lapses, with several Lions tries coming from their errors. Fatigue played a role, exposing a lack of depth compared to the Lions’ powerful bench.

Rotation and the Final Push

Head coach Andy Farrell faces a balancing act ahead of the third Test. In 1997, injuries forced our hand, but this time, strategic rotation could be the key to a 3-0 finish. While wholesale changes would disrupt cohesion, fresh legs like Blair Kinghorn or Ben Earl could provide the spark needed.

The Lions must treat this as a final push, not a dead rubber. If they enter Sydney with the same intensity, they will secure the whitewash—and with it, immortality in rugby folklore.