**Ewen McKenzie Urges Lions to Start Jac Morgan and Highlights Gibson-Park’s Key Influence**
As the British and Irish Lions prepare to chase a series whitewash against Australia, a former Wallabies head coach has strongly endorsed Welsh flanker Jac Morgan for a starting role in the decisive third Test in Sydney. Ewen McKenzie, who once led the Australians, has spoken out about Morgan’s credentials, suggesting that the Lions need his tenacity at the breakdown to counter the home side’s approach effectively.
Morgan, a dynamic back row forward from Wales, was not selected for the matchday 23 in the opening Test but made his presence felt off the bench during last weekend’s thriller in Melbourne. His influential work at the ruck was vital in the build-up to Hugo Keenan’s controversial, match-winning try—a moment that didn’t go unnoticed among rugby aficionados. Despite playing understudy to England’s Tom Curry throughout most of the tour, Morgan’s cameo has now brought his selection sharply into focus.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, McKenzie emphasised that Morgan could offer Farrell’s side a fresh dimension at the breakdown, especially against an Australian team known for exploiting such opportunities. “They’ve got to pick Morgan because, frankly, there’s nobody else with his instincts to contest possession at the ruck,” McKenzie explained. “Australia are likely to continue with the same strategy, and Morgan has a Southern Hemisphere feel about his play—he just senses the moment and reacts accordingly.”
The Lions comfortably won the series opener, but the second clash in Melbourne was a far closer affair, with Keenan’s try effectively sealing a classic Test match for the tourists. With one game left, the pressure is on Lions head coach Andy Farrell to make the right selection choices that could secure a memorable 3-0 sweep on Australian soil.
While much of the discussion has centred around Morgan’s potential inclusion, McKenzie was quick to single out another Lion who, in his view, has been the standout performer of the tour—scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park. The Ireland international has been central to the Lions’ attacking strategy and critical in keeping the team composed during high-pressure moments.
“You have to credit the number nine for what he’s done across the Tests,” McKenzie said. “His quality and decision-making have set the tone. There was a key passage when Australia kicked deep—Gibson-Park tracked back, secured the ball, and managed the situation perfectly, buying time for his teammates without ever risking a penalty or losing possession. He embodies calm under pressure.”
McKenzie continued, “Gibson-Park has undoubtedly been the player who’s made the difference between the sides. His ability to read the game and execute under duress has been exemplary, and I expect him to have another major influence in Sydney.”
As Farrell weighs his options for the final line-up, he faces both tactical and selection dilemmas. Introducing Morgan could inject renewed energy into the forwards, while maintaining faith in Gibson-Park seems a certainty given his tournament-defining displays.
With the Test series hanging in the balance, anticipation is high among fans and pundits alike. The Lions have an opportunity to etch their names into rugby history with a clean sweep, but the Wallabies are expected to come out fighting in front of their home supporters, determined to avoid a whitewash.
Whatever team Farrell ultimately selects, the contest is poised to deliver yet more compelling drama, with individuals like Morgan and Gibson-Park tipped to play central roles. Rugby observers will be watching closely to see whether McKenzie’s advice is heeded and what impact it might have on what has already been a memorable series Down Under.