Australian anger over another controversial Lions clearout as officials ‘unforgivably’ miss ‘so dangerous’ hit that led to HIA
Tom Lynagh in action for the Wallabies against British and Irish Lions before being taken out of the game by Dan Sheehan.
Australia have cried foul over yet another British and Irish Lions clearout after Tom Lynagh was forced off with a HIA before half-time.
Following Jac Morgan’s hit on Carlo Tizzano last weekend, which led to much debate and frustration, the actions of Dan Sheehan were called out during the third Test.
Jac Morgan hit legal
While what Morgan did was deemed legal, with most of the officiating fraternity agreeing with Andrea Piardi’s decision, the Wallabies have a much stronger case with this incident.
Replays showed Lions hooker – and captain at the time due to Maro Itoje’s withdrawal – Sheehan fly into the ruck and make contact with the head of Lynagh.
Sheehan’s right arm was tucked and the pivot was in a defenceless position, leading to a nasty-looking clearout with his shoulder.
However, the TMO surprisingly did not alert the man in the middle, Nika Amashukeli, to the incident and no action was taken.
The playmaker was forced off as a result of the hit and Ben Donaldson came on in his place with the hosts 8-0 up at the time.
Tom Lynagh flattened by elbow to the head. #AUSvBIL pic.twitter.com/RUtfCOGU4W
— Jobson Growthe (@electricBAU) August 2, 2025
Social media reaction
Australians were angered on social media after the video official decided not to intervene as journalist Tom Decent wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Disgrace. Red card every day of the week. So dangerous. You can see Lynagh brace as he knows it’s coming.
“Will World Rugby stand behind their refs again this week?
“In a situation like this (no matter who is playing) would have no qualms if refs hooked offending player at HT.”
Fellow writer Iain Payten felt similarly aggrieved, adding: “Dan Sheehan tucked arm, from distance, shoulder to Lynagh’s head at a ruck. Lynagh gets a HIA. Match officials do nothing. Ya kidding at this point.”
Meanwhile, Mark Gottlieb described the decision as “unforgivable”, particularly after Lynagh was forced to go off due to the actions of Sheehan.
“That miss of the shoulder to Tom Lynagh’s head is unforgivable from the TMO. He’s off the field with an HIA,” Gottlieb wrote.
Another person took a swipe at the Lions supporters, who have been adamant that Morgan’s clearout for the series-deciding try last weekend was perfectly legal, adding: “Wonder if the NH types will say Sheehan clean out on Lynagh was a textbook clean out?”