Dan Sheehan acknowledges that his airborne dive to score the British & Irish Lions’ first try in Melbourne last week was not part of the planned strategy. It was a spontaneous decision to avoid being stopped harshly, securing points for the Lions and adding to the hooker’s impressive season total of 17 tries in 19 matches.
While much attention has focused on Jac Morgan’s late clearance, there has also been discussion over whether Sheehan’s try complied with the rules. He recognizes the debate but stands by his pivotal score while sympathizing with the Australian defenders.
The controversy stems from the regulation that prohibits players from jumping to evade tackles. After being halted by Australia with a quick restart shortly before, Sheehan got another opportunity in the 15th minute and leaped over his opponent, Dave Porecki. As he crossed the line, referee Andrea Piardi awarded the try.
A 2022 clarification from World Rugby states that a player may dive to score, but defenders are permitted to make a legal tackle on an airborne attacker. In this case, since Porecki and James Slipper had both gone low, they were unable to intercept Sheehan mid-air. Australia’s coach, Joe Schmidt, questioned how his players could have safely stopped Sheehan but did not argue for the try to be overturned.
"I understand the debate, but I knew diving to score was allowed," said Sheehan. "If I hadn’t reached the line, it might have been a penalty—but I stretched fully and landed over it, so why not? If they had caught me high, it likely would have been penalized. It’s a tough balance in professional rugby."
"It wasn’t the planned move. The idea was to get close for the next phase. After being stopped hard the first time, I saw a chance to go over. On the first attempt, I took a quick restart and was hit hard low. Normally, one defender goes low, but both did, so I got nothing from it. The second time, I thought: *Maybe if I jump...* I didn’t know if anyone was behind—it was a gamble, and I got through."
Sheehan’s crucial try helped secure the series win for the Lions, supporting teammate Jamie George’s pre-match assertion that he is among the world’s top players in his position. Sheehan has built a strong connection with George and Luke Cowan-Dickie but admits it will be odd facing them again in next year’s Six Nations.
"I didn’t know anyone well before joining the tour," he said.
Read next
"Guardian Sport Weekend: Lions' Third Test, England vs. India, Women’s Open Action"
Rugby Union
11am Australia v British & Irish Lions live
The Lions enter the third and final Test against the Wallabies with a chance to secure a historic series sweep, an achievement not seen in decades. Lee Calvert will provide updates throughout. No Lions team has remained undefeated since Willie
Wallabies crush Lions' clean sweep bid in storm-lashed Sydney clash
Lions Fall Short as Wallabies Secure Series Finale
The hopes of a dominant tour for the British & Irish Lions came to an end as they suffered their first defeat in Australia on a rain-soaked evening in Sydney. The home side rose to the occasion, overcoming challenging weather and a
"Live: England vs India in fifth men's cricket Test, day three"
39th over: India 155-2 (Jaiswal 80, Akash Deep 51) Overton moves away from short-pitched deliveries, conceding just a single.
Guy Hornsby observes, "England will regret those dropped catches as the runs pile up, especially once Jaiswal reaches his century. Woakes’ absence was significant, though England managed well initially. Now,