History, it is said, is often a jangle of accidents, blunders, surprises and absurdities.
Rewriting the record books is rarely a linear or logical progression, but rather a chaotic mix of unpredictable events and unexpected turns.
For a primary source of that truth, see the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 9.53pm local time on Saturday, because the manner of the British & Irish Lions’ 29-26 victory over the Wallabies, which secured the Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Series, is still, hours later, something you saw but struggled to believe.
Lions captain Maro Itoje was not the keenest history student at school, preferring numbers to words – and the digits do not lie after this 29-26 thriller.
At one stage, the tourists trailed 23-5. It was not until the final minute of the match that they took the lead for the first time, Hugo Keenan’s try breaking Wallaby resolve to complete the biggest comeback in Lions Test history.
You sensed the shock reverberate around this famous stadium – only, perhaps, Itoje was not surprised.
It sealed the Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Series and marked back-to-back series wins over Australia for the first time. It also means Andy Farrell’s team travel to Sydney next week hoping to join the famous Invincibles of 1974 – the last Lions side to return home unbeaten.
It placed Itoje in rarefied air too: a series-winning captain bettering the already considerable achievements of his previous two Tours.
Farrell said he never lost faith, despite a brilliant first-half performance from Australia that shook the foundations of the country’s most hallowed sporting ground. A crowd of 90,307 – a record for a Lions match – watched on.
No one embodied that sense of belief more than his captain, an oasis of calm and composure in a blood-and-thunder instant classic.
“Maro’s captaincy was just outstanding. He was across all aspects of the game, he was calm, and he understood what was needed and what should be said. He got everything spot on. He’s a class act,” Farrell said.
Itoje’s spirited performance – his crunching tackles and relentless effort at every breakdown – earned him the player of the match award.
But more impressive than what he did was what he said. As the game seemed to slip away, a few pointed words gave his team the jolt they needed – and he led by example too.
“This means the world to me and I’m just delighted for everyone involved,” said Itoje. “It’s been a huge squad effort and we’ve been humming since we got here. This is what dreams are made of.
“When we met in London, Faz [Farrell] said he wanted us to win everything. I’m delighted with the result but we want to win in Sydney too.
“Our indiscipline, our lack of composure, was often the contributing factor to their positive outcomes. We just kept focusing on the next passage of play, and once we got that far behind, we just had to claw our way back into it.
“I always believed, but they were just playing so well. It just feels surreal. It’s a moment to cherish. Often in sport you have to quickly focus on the next challenge, but we have to savour this.”
It is a hallmark of the great Australian cricket teams that when they won, they did not take long to celebrate before setting their sights on the next scalp. The real party may have to wait until Sydney.
“The plan won’t change, but we’ll enjoy tonight as we’ve made a bit of history – and hopefully there is more to come,” added Farrell.
“There were a few fine margins all the way through the game. Even when things were going against us, people were standing up all over the place and keeping us in the fight.
“I don’t think it gets bigger than this when you see what it means to these lads. This has been their dream. We’ve come to the MCG with 90,000 watching, and we’ve won the series in the most dramatic finish possible. It’s just a very special moment for everyone.
“We’ll enjoy tonight but then it’s back to work. It’s a privilege and an honour to be in this position now. The drama and how it unfolded – that’s what makes it more special. To win the series in that fashion, to find a way to win like that, just adds to the fairytale.
“To win the match like that is what top-level sport is all about and we’ve another match to do something special too. The Tour isn’t over yet.”
