Lions Aim for Series Whitewash Against Wallabies in Sydney

The British and Irish Lions face the Wallabies in Sydney on March 16, 2024, determined to complete a rare series whitewash. After winning the first two Tests, the Lions are looking to maintain their perfect record on this tour, having triumphed in all eight matches so far. Last weekend, they secured a thrilling 29-26 victory in Melbourne, overcoming an 18-point deficit, thanks to a controversial last-minute try by Hugo Keenan.

Head coach Andy Farrell has emphasized that the Lions will not ease their efforts against the Wallabies in this dead rubber match. He has made only two changes to the lineup, bringing in James Ryan at lock and Blair Kinghorn on the left wing. “We came here and wanted to win a series,” Farrell stated. “We’ve achieved that, but we’ve a massive responsibility to finish this off with something that we promised ourselves.”

The Lions last went unbeaten in a series in 1974, when they won their first three Tests against South Africa and drew the final match. Farrell expressed confidence in his team, stating, “We are expecting another epic battle this weekend against a Wallaby side that showed their quality last week.” He referred to the previous Test as an outstanding spectacle, highlighting the significance of Lions tours for both players and supporters.

Maro Itoje continues to captain the side, this time partnered by Ryan in the second row. Ollie Chessum will move to the bench. Farrell praised Ryan’s growth throughout the tour, noting his physicality has been evident when he has played. “James thoroughly deserves his start,” said Farrell.

In the front row, the Irish trio of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong remain unchanged, with Furlong set to make his ninth consecutive Test appearance for the Lions. The back row also remains the same, featuring Tom Curry at openside flanker, Jack Conan at No.8, and Tadhg Beirne at blindside flanker.

The half-back pairing will again consist of Jamison Gibson-Park from Ireland and Finn Russell from Scotland. In midfield, Bundee Aki partners Huw Jones. Kinghorn replaces James Lowe, while Tommy Freeman occupies the right wing, and Keenan returns as full-back after his heroics in Melbourne.

“Blair is obviously a great athlete, but the unpredictability of his game makes him very dangerous,” Farrell commented on Kinghorn’s inclusion. He noted that expected wet conditions could enhance Kinghorn’s aerial skills, making him a valuable asset in this crucial match.

The full British and Irish Lions lineup for the third Test is as follows:

British and Irish Lions (15-1): Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, Blair Kinghorn; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Tom Curry, Tadhg Beirne; James Ryan, Maro Itoje (capt); Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter.

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jac Morgan, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell.

As the Lions prepare for this high-stakes encounter, excitement builds among fans and players alike. The potential for a series whitewash adds to the intensity of the matchup, promising another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two rugby powerhouses.