PLAY was SUSPENDED between Australia and the British and Irish Lions due to the threat of lightning.
Australia led the travelling Lions 8-0 in Sydney when the players were taken off the pitch.
Play was suspended between Australia and the British and Irish LionsSportsfile
Both teams retreated to the dressing room
Play was suspended for 30 minutes
A message from inside the stadium read: “Bad weather is approaching.
“Patrons seated between rows 1-19 of the lower seating bowl head to the concourse where it is undercover.
“Follow instructions of stadium staff. All other patrons please remain seated.”
Both sets of players were taken off the pitch and TV cameras captured the teams inside their dressing rooms.
And the British & Irish Lions posted online: “Latest update: play has been suspended for 30 minutes here in Sydney due to a lightning strike within 10km of the stadium.”
Australia led thanks to Dylan Pietsch’s try and Tom Lynagh’s penalty.
And just before the break, there was a huge brawl after Lions star James Ryan was on the end of an accidental knee by Will Skelton.
Ryan was placed on a stretcher and taken off the pitch – but gave the thumbs up – while players from the opposing team clashed on the pitch.
It was not long after that play was suspended but then fans began to invade the pitch.
That is despite supporters being warned they face a fine of £2,600 fine for doing so.
At one point, two pitch invaders tried to rugby tackle each other as security desperately raced to remove them from the field.
Play finally resumed at 9.50pm local time in Sydney.
GettyThere was a mass brawl between both teams[/caption]
PAJames Ryan was stretchered off[/caption]
PAPitch invaders broke onto the pitch[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
