1989 British Lions tour to Australia
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.
| 1989 British Lions tour to Australia | |
|---|---|
| Date | 15 May – 16 July |
| Coach(es) | Ian McGeechan |
| Tour captain(s) | Finlay Calder |
| Test series winners | British Lions (2–1) |
| Top test point scorer(s) | Gavin Hastings (28) |
| 1989 British Lions tour to Australia | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary |
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| Total |
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| Test match |
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| Opponent |
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| Australia |
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The Lions suffered a 30–12 defeat in the first test in Sydney on 1 July, then their heaviest defeat by Australia. 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. The Lions completed their tour with a victory of a combined ANZAC team. Teague was named player of the series.