Wallabies vs Lions: Tupou Returns, Valetini Out for Final Test

Wallabies Face Challenges for Third Test against the Lions

The Wallabies will face the third and final test against the British and Irish Lions without Rob Valetini, a significant absence for the team. However, prop Taniela Tupou returns to the team after Allan Alaalatoa’s injury. Valetini will not be available for the match at Accor Stadium in Sydney due to an injury sustained in the 29-26 loss to the Lions at the MCG. Despite the absence of Valetini, the Wallabies will count on the strength of Tupou, who will offer a key option for the forward game alongside Will Skelton. Tupou hasn’t played this season with Australia, but he proved his worth in the scrum and in general play in the recent defeat of the First Nations-Pasifika XV against the Lions.

“We saw him in the First Nations-Pasifika match, I think he worked very hard there and has trained well. We hope Taniela can continue with that rise and bring us a real burst of energy,” commented the coach.
Schmidt

In addition, Nic White will end his test match career, announcing his retirement from international rugby. White will start in his last match, while Jake Gordon will not be in the team after playing 80 minutes last week. Another change in the backs line is the inclusion of Dylan Pietsch on the left wing, replacing Harry Potter, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of the previous test. Valetini’s position will be filled by Tom Hooper, who has been selected ahead of Langi Gleeson. Valetini had a standout first half in his first match since the Brumbies’ Super Rugby semi-final in mid-June, being key to Australia taking the lead. Schmidt revealed that Valetini felt discomfort at halftime and it was decided not to send him back for the second half. The calf injury that prevented him from playing the first test in Brisbane will also keep him out of Saturday’s match. Australia has opted for a 5-3 bench split this week, with Andrew Kellaway as additional cover in the backs after Tate McDermott played 55 minutes in the win in Melbourne. Schmidt expressed that the Wallabies are eager to amend last week’s heartbreaking defeat at the MCG. “The team was certainly disheartened after the heartbreaking end of last week’s test in Melbourne, but they have started to gain momentum in the second half of the week and will be ready to play again on Saturday,” he said in a statement. Rugby Australia confirmed that Saturday night’s match is a sell-out. It was feared that the Lions’ victory in Melbourne, which secured the series, would make it difficult to sell the last tickets. However, the governing body confirmed that there are no remaining seats available at Accor Stadium, meaning around 82,000 fans will attend the event this weekend.