Following numerous reports suggesting that British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell would be eyeing a series whitewash in the Land Down Under, the strength of his selections for the Test series finale have confirmed this intention.
Farrell has backed the finest of his heavy hitters, making just two changes to the side that triumphed in dramatic fashion in the second Test at the MCG in Melbourne, on Saturday, July 26.
Farrell’s third Test selections reflect his consistent approach throughout the series, relying on Test-proven, experienced veterans to get the job done against the Wallabies.
Final match-day 23 specifics
The notable changes in the 23 come in the form of Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan.
Kinghorn comes in on the left wing for James Lowe, with Ryan set to partner captain Maro Itoje in the second row.
Ollie Chessum, who started alongside Itoje in the engine room in the second Test, has shifted to the bench.
The other noteworthy tactical selection is Farrell opting for a 6-2 split on the bench, with England loose-forward Ben Earl brought in to solidify the back-row in the second half.
In the starting pack, the ever-consistent Test-quality Irish trio of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong continue in the front row.
The work rate and breakdown prowess of Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry is what Farrell has backed to be unrelenting one last time.
The veteran Jack Conan will aim to be a constant threat in the collision running off the back of the scrum.
It’s continuity in the half-back pairing, with the reliable creativity of Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell continuing on.
Bundee Aki and Huw Jones have been retained in the centres, with Garry Ringrose pulling out again due lingering concussion symptoms.
The resilient Hugo Keenan retains his place at full-back, with the high-flying Tommy Freeman at 14.
The two make up a formidable final-Test back three alongside Kinghorn.
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Farrell on the final Test
Farrell spoke to the media regarding a potential 3-0 series win against the Wallabies.
“As you can imagine, it would mean the world to us,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s something we promised ourselves we were going to chase after and try our best to represent the group as best we possibly can do.
“What goes along with that is representing the journey and brand of the British and Irish Lions, so we have a big responsibility this weekend.
“These lads have been training their whole life for these moments and do you know what’s been the most impressive thing about these people? Just how much they care.
“How much they care about the Lions, the Lions dream, and how much it means to them.
“When you package it all up together and what it takes to come together as a top-class outfit, as far as a group of teams are concerned, that’s about it.”
Valetini misses out for the Wallabies
Loose-forward Rob Valetini misses out on a potential third Test win after sustaining a calf injury in the second Test.
Valetini proved to be a vital cog in head coach Joe Schmidt’s attacking machine.
His absence is a major blow, with the Wallabies now facing a Lions side riding high after their last-minute series-clinching win in Test two.
Prop Taniela Tupou re-emerges at tighthead after missing out on the series entirely until this point.
Nic White replaces Jake Gordon at scrum-half.
This will be White’s final Test in a Wallabies shirt. He is set to retire from international rugby.
The other difference maker for the Wallabies in the second Test was lock Will Skelton, who will aim to lead the team dominantly after retaining his place at five.
Deflating second Test defeat
Schmidt spoke to Sky Sports regarding his side’s deflating second Test defeat.
“The squad was certainly deflated after the gut-wrenching end to last week’s Test in Melbourne, but they have started to gather momentum in the back half of the week and will be ready to go again on Saturday.
“The support in Brisbane and Melbourne helped to lift the squad, and I know the support this weekend in Accor Stadium, will again help to lift the players in the high-pressure moments that we know are coming.”
The final clash of the Test series between the Lions and Australia kicks off on Saturday, August 2, in Sydney.
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