1989 British Lions tour to Australia

1989 British Lions tour to Australia
Date15 May  – 16 July
Coach(es)Scotland Ian McGeechan
Tour captain(s)Scotland Finlay Calder
Test series winnersBritish Lions (2–1)
Top test point scorer(s)Scotland Gavin Hastings (28)
1989 British Lions tour to Australia
Summary
P W D L
Total
12 11 00 01
Test match
03 02 00 01
Opponent
P W D L
 Australia
3 2 0 1

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.[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.

  1. ^ McMurtrie, Bill (3 July 1989). "Lack of quality in crucial areas proves costly". The Glasgow Herald. p. 20. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  2. ^ McMurtrie, Bill (10 July 1989). "Lions manage to regain pride". The Glasgow Herald. p. 18. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  3. ^ 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.