The final showdown between the British & Irish Lions and Australia was abruptly halted in Sydney on Saturday due to severe storms. The match began under wet conditions but was paused after 40 minutes due to the inclement weather.
A statement from the British & Irish Lions cited a lightning warning in the area as the reason for suspending play. A subsequent update on Twitter confirmed a 30-minute suspension due to a lightning strike within a 10km radius of the stadium.
As bad weather approached, a message displayed on the stadium screen instructed certain patrons to seek cover while others were advised to remain seated. Both teams retreated to the changing rooms at Accor Stadium, with a planned ten-minute warm-up before the game could resume, with the match clock frozen at the 43rd minute.
During the break, Mark Philp, the matchday manager for Rugby Australia, informed Sky Sports that a 30-minute wait after the last lightning strike was necessary before considering resuming play. He indicated that if the delay extended beyond 55-60 minutes, a decision on abandonment might be made, with the current score standing as the final result.
The suspension occurred following an injury to Lions player James Ryan, who was stretchered off after a collision with Will Skelton. Ryan was momentarily unconscious on the field, prompting medical attention while a scuffle ensued between players.
Despite the disruption, Ryan signaled to the crowd that he was alright as he left the field. At the time of the suspension, the Wallabies held an 8-0 lead through a penalty and a try, later extending their advantage after play resumed.
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