Ryan starts final Lions Test, Furlong nears milestone cap as Andy Farrell makes two changes to the team that clinched the series win last week in Melbourne. James Ryan earns his first start of the tour, while Tadhg Furlong is set to make history with his ninth consecutive Lions Test appearance.
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Ryan Steps In, Hansen and McCarthy Miss Out
James Ryan has been promoted to the starting XV for the final British and Irish Lions Test against Australia in Sydney. This comes after a strong performance off the bench last week. Joe McCarthy, who missed the second Test with a foot injury, hasn’t recovered in time, and Mack Hansen is also sidelined with a similar issue. Ryan will line up alongside captain Maro Itoje in the second row, replacing Ollie Chessum.
Two Changes, But Familiar Faces Remain
Farrell has made just two adjustments to last week’s winning team. Alongside Ryan, Blair Kinghorn replaces James Lowe on the left wing, although Lowe’s absence hasn’t been confirmed as injury-related. The rest of the backline stays intact, with Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park at half-back, and Bundee Aki partnering Huw Jones in midfield. Hugo Keenan, last week’s standout, keeps the No. 15 shirt, with Freeman on the right wing.
Furlong Nears Legendary Status
Tadhg Furlong will start again at tighthead prop, joining an elite group of players with nine consecutive Lions Test starts. Only four legends have more—Willie John McBride, Graham Price, Tony O’Reilly, and Rhys Williams. He lines up with fellow Leinster front-rowers Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter, forming a strong Irish front line.
Bench Options and Selection Decisions
Ireland has nine players starting, with Rónan Kelleher the only Irish name among the replacements. Despite a 6:2 split on the bench, Josh van der Flier still hasn’t broken into the matchday squad, with Ben Earl and Jac Morgan preferred as back-row cover. Owen Farrell remains on the bench, joined by Alex Mitchell, Ellis Genge, and others.
Australia Ready for Final Test
Australia’s starting team is led by captain Harry Wilson and features the likes of Tom Wright, Joseph Suaalii, and Taniela Tupou. Coach Eddie Jones will be hoping to end the series on a high in front of the home crowd at Accor Stadium.
