The Lions seek the sweep against Australia in the final test
The British and Irish Lions will face Australia on Saturday in the third and final test in Sydney, seeking to complete the series sweep.
The Lions secured the series dramatically thanks to a last-minute try by Hugo Keenan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
However, the Wallabies believe the try should have been disallowed due to what they consider an illegal action by Jac Morgan.
This sets the stage for another exciting match. Here are the key points before Saturday’s clash.Hugo Keenan’s try clinched the series for the Lions.Lions Aim for SweepThe tourists led by Andy Farrell have demonstrated their character and quality after a very close second test, securing the victory in the series.
They are now determined to make their mark on Lions history, ending their expedition in Australia with a perfect record. No Lions team has won all the tests since the 1927 visit to Argentina, while the ‘Invincibles’ of 1974 who faced South Africa were the last team to complete an undefeated tour.Last test, but at full speedAlthough the series is already decided, no mercy is shown to Australia in the selection. Instead of rotating to give opportunities to the players who deserved to be there, the starting team has been maintained, with James Ryan and Blair Kinghorn as the only changes.
The selection for the clash at Sydney Olympic Park reflects how important the sweep is to the Lions, and only 27 players will have been used in the tests on Saturday night.Andy Farrell has been tipped to lead the Lions in 2029.Leading the packFarrell has been reluctant to say whether he wants to be in charge of the next Lions tour to New Zealand in 2029, but after orchestrating the triumph in Australia with a game to spare, the job would be his if he wants it.
Besides the success on the field, the Ireland boss has created a harmonious environment in the team and is revered by his players and coaching staff. When tourists talk about a united team effort, they mean it.
I love everything the Lions represent
Farrell
There is no better champion for the institution described by manager Ieuan Evans as a “glorious anachronism”.Tadhg Furlong will start his ninth-straight Lions Test on Saturday.
Among the greats
Tadhg Furlong reaches a special milestone on Saturday by making his ninth consecutive start for the Lions, becoming the seventh player to achieve this, but the first in the professional era.
During three consecutive tours, Ireland’s notable tighthead prop has been the cornerstone of the scrum, as well as demonstrating his quality in all other aspects of the game.
In addition to this, he has maintained his place in the Lions’ first line despite his season being affected by calf and hamstring injuries.
When he returns home, he will do so as a Lions legend.Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will want his side to avoid a 3-0 sweep.The Wallabies’ last standAustralia silenced critics who questioned their place among the Lions tour destinations by being 51 seconds away from winning a captivating second test.
It was the performance the Wallabies needed to validate the tour, but the question now is how much they have left in the tank after having risen to the occasion in Melbourne.
Star forward Rob Valetini has been ruled out due to his calf problem, but counteracting this significant blow is that Will Skelton can continue in the second row despite his recent calf injury.
The Wallabies are the underdogs, but avoiding a sweep is all the motivation they need to cause an upset.
The Wallabies call on Taniela Tupou and Nic White for the final against the Lions.
Concussion protocols: Garry Ringrose misses the third test.
Wallabies coach Schmidt will not face sanctions for comments on “player welfare”.
