**Lions Announce Formidable Line-Up for Decisive Wallabies Test, Jac Morgan Retained Among Replacements**
The British and Irish Lions have confirmed a power-packed team to face Australia in the third and final Test at Sydney, as head coach Andy Farrell signals his intent to secure a first series clean sweep in over half a century. In a move that underscores the gravity of this encounter, Farrell has opted for minimal changes, a clear indication of his focus on achieving a memorable mark in Lions history.
Following last weekend’s thrilling 29-26 triumph in Melbourne—which clinched the series 2-0—the temptation to experiment with new faces had lingered in the background. However, Farrell has resisted the urge to rotate extensively, making just two changes to his starting XV that took to the field at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn comes into the starting line-up for the first time in this series, covering the left wing in place of Ireland’s James Lowe. The other alteration sees Ireland lock James Ryan partner captain Maro Itoje in the engine room, with Ollie Chessum moving to the bench.
Veteran prop Tadhg Furlong stands on the verge of Lions history, about to equal the performance of Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones with nine consecutive Lions Test starts. Furlong lines up in an all-Irish front row that also features Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan, maintaining a foundation that has served the tourists well to this point.
Farrell’s faith in his back-row trio remains unshaken, as Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry and Jack Conan once again complete an unchanged combination. Their consistency and cohesion have been amongst the standout aspects of the Lions’ campaign so far.
In the half-back pairing, Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell continue their partnership, providing playmaking stability. Midfield responsibilities remain with Bundee Aki and Huw Jones, who resume their partnership as Garry Ringrose remains unavailable. Fans will remember last week’s heroics from full-back Hugo Keenan, who maintains his place, while Tommy Freeman and new starter Kinghorn complete the back three.
On the bench, Wales captain Jac Morgan retains his spot after an impactful cameo in Melbourne, where his energetic late surge helped turn the tide in the Lions’ favour. He is joined among the replacements by England’s Ben Earl, as Farrell reverts to a 6–2 forwards-to-backs bench split, a move that could prove crucial should the game turn into an attritional contest.
Speaking about his team’s prospects, Farrell expressed both determination and respect for the opposition: “We have put ourselves in a great position to finish this tour with our best performance to date and create our own piece of history. Last weekend’s Test match in Melbourne was a brilliant spectacle—it really showed how much Lions tours mean to players and fans alike. We’re preparing for another fierce contest against a Wallabies side that pushed us all the way.”
For Australia, forced adjustments follow injuries to key players. Back-row enforcer Rob Valetini misses out following a knock sustained in the Melbourne Test. Tom Hooper steps up in the back row, while Taniela Tupou is recalled to bolster the front row after the loss of Allan Alaalatoa. The Wallabies have also introduced Dylan Pietsch for the injured Harry Potter on the wing, and scrum-half Nic White returns for what could be his last home Test before retirement.
Notably, Carlo Tizzano is omitted from the Wallabies’ bench, with head coach Joe Schmidt dismissing injury as the reason and reverting instead to a 5–3 bench split in favour of the backs.
With memories of their last undefeated Test tour dating back to 1974 in South Africa, and an even longer wait for a clean sweep across an entire multi-Test series, the Lions are on the brink of a significant sporting milestone. The final showdown in Sydney promises both drama and history as both teams aim to leave a lasting impression.
The confirmed squads are as follows:
**British & Irish Lions Starting XV:** Keenan; Freeman, H. Jones, Aki, Kinghorn; Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Itoje (c), Ryan; Beirne, Curry, Conan.
**Replacements:** Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Chessum, Morgan, Mitchell, O. Farrell.
**Australia Starting XV:** Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Pietsch; Lynagh, White; Slipper, Porecki, Tupou; Frost, Skelton; Hooper, McReight, Wilson (c).
**Replacements:** Pollard, Bell, Nonggorr, Williams, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway.
As the Lions look to cap off their Tour in style, supporters on both sides are braced for what could be an epic finale, with history beckoning on Sydney’s hallowed turf.