Lions Win Series In Australia After 41-16 Victory (PICTURES)

Roaring To Victory

The British and Irish Lions have won their three-match series against Australia following a comprehensive 41-16 victory at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

It is the first Lions series success since their iconic triumph in South Africa under Sir Ian McGeechan in 1997.

Warren Gatland's controversial decision to omit Brian O'Driscoll was vindicated as the Lions overawed an uncharacteristically rudderless Australia team.

Jonny Sexton his pivotal second try

Prop Alex Corbisiero crossed after just 79 seconds as the tourists made a dream start with full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicking 14 points in the first 40.

Trailing 3-19, Australia struck back with a try from James O'Connor on the stroke of half-time to set up a tight second half.

The Wallabies reduced the arrears to just three points but the immaculate Jonny Sexton raced through shy of the hour mark and Halfpenny's conversion opened up a 13-point lead.

Warburton and Wyn Jones lift the Tom Richards Trophy

Seven minutes later and the result was a fait accompli. Halfpenny, the outstanding player of this series, skipped past two Australians and claimed a second assist when George North charged over for a third Lions try.

The in-game party continued when Jamie Roberts, who feared a hamstring injury would deprive him of facing the Australians, stormed through and the scoreline began to resemble a thrashing.

Lions captain Sam Warburton and interim skipper Alun Wyn Jones jointly hoisted the Tom Richards Trophy.

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