Lions Make Two Changes for Final Australia Test

British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has made two changes to the starting XV for the third and final Test against Australia, as the Lions aim to complete a historic 3‑0 series sweep in Sydney on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Accor Stadium.

• Blair Kinghorn returns from a knee injury to take the left wing, replacing James Lowe, who drops out of the starting lineup and moves to the bench.
• James Ryan starts in the second row alongside captain Maro Itoje, taking the place of Ollie Chessum, who will now serve as a bench reserve.

Farrell has opted to retain a strong, settled core. The back row, halfback pairing, and tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong—making his ninth consecutive Lions Test start—remain unchanged. The bench will feature a 6‑2 split favoring forwards, reflecting anticipated wet and physical conditions.

Why These Changes Matter

• Kinghorn’s return injects fresh pace and experience into the back three. His earlier performances off the bench added creativity and composure under pressure.
• James Ryan, impressive during his second‑Test cameo, brings intelligence and stability to the lineout alongside Itoje in the engine room.
• With Maro Itoje firmly in captaincy, Farrell signals trust in the leadership core, while holding bench spots for cover in key forward positions.

Broader Context

• The Lions sealed the series in the second Test in Melbourne with a dramatic 29‑26 win—courtesy of Hugo Keenan’s last-minute try—to avoid a crucial one-all showdown.
• While wholesale changes were tempting, Farrell elected stability over experimentation, preserving the blend that has delivered two victories so far.
• On the Australian side, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt rightly made several adjustments: veteran scrum-half Nic White is set for his 73rd and final Test, while Taniela Tupou, Tom Hooper, and Dylan Pietsch come into the starting lineup to manage injuries and fatigue ahead of the series finale.

What’s at Stake

• Historic clean sweep: A 3‑0 series win would mark the Lions’ first complete whitewash of Australia since 1927, underlining a rare and commanding touring achievement.
• Mental and physical as much as tactical: Third Tests often hinge on handling pressure and fatigue. The Lions’ lineup reflects consistency and trust in the players who performed in earlier Tests.
• Legacy and momentum: Completing the sweep would place this touring group among the great Lions sides and cement Andy Farrell’s credentials with outstanding team management decisions — balancing form, fitness, and continuity.