Last weekend, the British and Irish Lions mounted a stirring comeback to beat Australia and secure a 2-0 lead in the series with one match left to play.
Yet while lightning did strike in Sydney on Saturday, history wasn't to repeat itself with the Wallabies restoring some pride with a deserved 22-12 victory on home soil.
This was the Lions' chance to achieve something special. Not since 1904 have they whitewashed their rivals and, having performed so well in each of the previous two fixtures, hopes were high they'd be able to etch secure their spot in rugby immortality.
In the end, head coach Andy Farrell will consider it an opportunity missed.
The British and Irish Lions were unable to complete a series whitewash over Australia
|GETTY
The rain was relentless during the fixture in Sydney and Australia coped better than their rivals on the day.
Their day got off to the perfect start, with Dylan Pietsch scoring an early try with just eight minutes on the clock.
However, they were unable to extend their lead via a conversion - with Australia's No 10 Tom Lynagh missing his kick.
The hosts extended their lead just six minutes before half time, with the 22-year-old kicking a penalty before he was forced out of the match.
Australia were 8-0 up at half time.
But just minutes after the match restarted, there were unprecedented scenes with both players forced to come off the field.
With lightning strikes in the area, fans ran inside for cover - while both squads made their way into the dressing room.
For a brief period, there were fears that the series would end in a farce amid concerns that the fixture would have to be abandoned.
READ MORE: Sky Sports suffer backlash after making change for start of new English Football League season
Australia players celebrate following their second try of the match against the British and Irish Lions
|GETTY
Some supporters entertained themselves by storming onto the pitch, with those fans in question poised to face big fines as a result.
However, after a delay that lasted roughly 40 minutes, the fixture was then able to resume with conditions in Sydney improving.
After the break, Australia once again started the better of the two teams.
Max Jorgensen used his searing speed to breach the Lions' backline, with the 20-year-old going over the line to spark wild celebrations among the home crowd.
Their lead was then extended, with Ben Donaldson keeping his cool following his introduction.
The Lions knew they needed something to give themselves a fighting chance, with the match starting to slip away.
And with 18 minutes left on the clock they got it, with Jac Morgan managing to place the ball down despite being bundled by a series of players.
Finn Russell converted his effort to set up a blockbuster finish to the contest.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jac Morgan scored a try for the British and Irish Lions to give them hope against Australia
|GETTY
In the end, however, it was Australia who were able to secure victory with Tate McDermott scoring his country's third try of the contest to make the result safe before a late consolation from Will Stuart.
The Lions will be delighted to win the series. There were so many positives from all three contests.
This match, however, ultimately proved to be one challenge too many for the visitors.