Andy Farrell wants his players to become the first Lions outfit in 98 years to record a series whitewash
After the drama of the MCG seven days ago comes the last Test between the Lions and Australia, and despite the series being over Andy Farrell is hungry for one more win to complete the nine-match clean sweep Down Under.
The head coach is chasing a piece of history before he resumes his duties as Ireland boss – Farrell wants his players to become the first Lions outfit in 98 years to record a series whitewash, which they achieved in Argentina back in 1927.
A final win on the tour would also see the 2025 Lions equal the achievement of the 1974 greats, who were victorious in the first three Tests in a four-match series against the Springboks.
After the celebrations of the series win in Melbourne, Farrell was keen for his charges to get back down to business to prepare for a Wallabies outfit that were hurt at the manner of the defeat having held a 23-5 lead, and especially with the decision not to disallow Hugo Keenan’s match and series-winning try in the last play of an enthralling contest seven days ago.
Once again, Farrell has leaned on his senior Ireland lieutenants to get the job done, with nine Ireland internationals named in the starting line-up and with two more on the bench. For Tadhg Furlong, it is a remarkable ninth Test start for the Lions.
Where is the game taking place?
The final Test will be at the Accor (Olympic) Stadium, Sydney, with an 80,000 sell-out crowd expected.
What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off on Saturday at 11am UK time.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports are showing the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky’s dedicated Lions channel from 9.30am.
Betting odds
Australia are 13/5 to win, the British and Irish Lions are 3/10 to win, the draw is 22/1
Team news
The bad news for the Wallabies is that Rob Valentini, the flanker who made such a positive impact on his return from injury last week, is ruled out – same goes for hooker David Porecki, who was initially named in the side. He is replaced by Billy Pollard.
So there is even more of an emphasis on Will Skelton having an impact, but the man Ronan O’Gara has dubbed his best signing for La Rochelle is unlikely to be able to go the distance after he was called ashore so early into the second half in Melbourne.
Nic White comes in at scrum-half for what is his final Test match – a milestone marked by his team-mates, and head coach, at the captain’s run as they wore fake moustaches in his honour.
The selection of tighthead Taniel Tupou, making his third appearance against the Lions on this tour but his first in a Test, will provide Andrew Porter with a searching examination.
Farrell, meanwhile, has signalled his intent by making just two changes to his starting XV and that’s good news for James Ryan, the Leinster lock earning his reward for a big impact off the bench last week and so it’s a first Lions Test start for him.
Also in is Blair Kinghorn for Huw Jones to partner Bundee Aki in what could be a dynamic centre partnership – Kinghorn looked very threatening when he came on seven days ago.
Sadly, Joe McCarthy, Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose weren’t ready to return to action while the selection was bad news for Josh van der Flier, who will return home without playing in one of the three Tests.
Australia: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Pietsch; Lynagh, White; Slipper, Pollard, Tupou, Frost, Skelton, Hooper, McReight, Wilson.
Replacements: Paenga-Amosa, Bell, Nonggorr, Williams, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway.
British and Irish Lions: Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Aki, Kinghorn; Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Ryan, Beirne, Curry, Conan.
Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Chessum, Morgan, Earl, Mitchell, Farrell
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