Kinghorn and Ryan Step Up as Lions Chase Historic Series Sweep

British and Irish Lions make changes for final Test in Sydney as Farrell’s men eye 3-0 whitewash

As the British and Irish Lions prepare to face Australia in the third and final Test in Sydney, coach Andy Farrell has made two notable changes to the starting XV. Blair Kinghorn replaces James Lowe on the wing, while James Ryan comes in for Ollie Chessum at lock. The message is clear: while the series is already won, this squad wants to go one step further. They’re chasing a piece of history—and Farrell isn’t taking any chances.

With a chance to become the first Lions side since 1974 to win three Tests on a single tour, and the first since 1927 to record a clean sweep, Saturday’s game carries weight far beyond the scoreboard. It’s about legacy, pride, and representing that iconic red jersey with distinction.

No Sentimentality in Farrell’s Final Test Selections

Kinghorn

Despite murmurs that the third Test might be an opportunity to reward players who haven’t featured yet—like Josh van der Flier—Farrell stuck with the men who’ve earned their stripes across a demanding tour. There’s been no room for sentimentality, and even fewer for passengers.

Speaking after naming his 23-man squad, Farrell praised his players’ commitment and togetherness, especially those who haven’t yet taken the field in a Test:

“You come in after a big win and the guys who didn’t even play are the ones celebrating the most. That says it all.”

It’s a tight-knit group, bound by shared goals and respect for the badge. And when Farrell says that winning the series 3-0 “would mean the world to us,” it’s clear this group isn’t resting on its laurels.

Kinghorn and Ryan Earn Their Chance

Replacing Lowe, Blair Kinghorn brings versatility and flair to the left wing. The Scottish back, now at Toulouse, has a game that thrives in unpredictability, something Farrell sees as crucial given the wet and aerial-heavy conditions forecasted for Sydney.

“We think Blair is a great athlete, but it’s the unpredictability of his game that makes him dangerous,” said Farrell. “This game suits him.”

As for the pack, James Ryan’s promotion to the starting line-up means he becomes Maro Itoje’s third different lock partner of the series, following Ollie Chessum and Joe McCarthy. Ryan has earned his stripes with gritty, impactful cameos from the bench—and now gets his full shot at starting glory.

“He’s grown through the tour,” Farrell said. “His physicality when he’s come on has been clear for all to see. He deserves this.”

Furlong and Itoje: The Relentless Warriors

For the third straight match—and ninth consecutive Lions Test overall—Tadhg Furlong and Maro Itoje will start. These two iron men are central to the Lions’ platform of power and consistency. Furlong’s impact isn’t just on the field; Farrell called out his energy off it, praising his leadership and vibe in camp.

“I’ve never seen him in such good spirits,” the coach smiled. “He’s ready to go again.”

Itoje, meanwhile, continues to be the beating heart of the Lions’ engine room. With eight consecutive Test starts and another appearance off the bench in New Zealand 2017, his record speaks for itself.

Lions’ Bench Blends Versatility and Power

The 6-2 split on the bench shows Farrell expects a forward-heavy battle. Ben Earl, who missed out in Melbourne, returns as a jack-of-all-trades—equally comfortable in the back row or covering centre in a pinch.

Also among the replacements is Jac Morgan, who’s found himself at the centre of controversy following his ruck collision with Wallaby Carlo Tizzano in the second Test. While the incident sparked heated debate online, Farrell condemned the abuse Tizzano has received, calling it “disgusting.”

Wallabies Without Valetini and Alaalatoa

On the opposite side, Australia coach Joe Schmidt is dealing with injury blows of his own. Rob Valetini, the Wallabies’ influential flanker, has been ruled out once again due to a recurring calf issue. He was withdrawn at halftime during the second Test and will not feature this weekend.

Also missing is Allan Alaalatoa, sidelined with a shoulder injury. In his place comes Taniela Tupou, a massive unit with game-breaking potential, who impressed for the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the Lions last week.

Schmidt has also handed a start to Nic White at scrum-half in what will be his final Test before retirement. Despite speculation over his fitness and age, Schmidt was firm that White was selected purely on merit, citing his kicking and control in potentially tricky weather.

Gordon and Tizzano Left Out, Looking Ahead to the Rugby Championship

Interestingly, there’s no spot in the 23 for Jake Gordon, who had a standout showing in Melbourne. The decision appears tactical, with Schmidt keeping an eye on the upcoming Rugby Championship, where Australia kick off with back-to-back games against South Africa.

Tizzano, too, is out after becoming the unintended centrepiece of controversy. Schmidt defended his young back-rower, highlighting the 54 Gs of force sustained in the ruck clash with Morgan, and criticised some pundits for fuelling the pile-on.

“He’s been on the end of a lot of social media abuse,” said Schmidt. “It’s better he sits this one out.”

Team Line-ups for the Final Showdown

🦘 Australia XV:

Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Pietsch; Lynagh, White; Slipper, Porecki, Tupou; Frost, Skelton; Hooper, McReight, Wilson
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Nonggorr, Williams, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway

🦁 British & Irish Lions XV:

Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Aki, Kinghorn; Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Itoje, Ryan; Beirne, Curry, Conan
Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Chessum, Morgan, Earl, Mitchell, Farrell

Final Thoughts: A Shot at Immortality

Saturday’s game isn’t a dead rubber—it’s a defining moment. The Lions have already sealed the series, but finishing 3-0 would lift them into the pantheon of truly great touring sides. Farrell knows the magnitude of what’s at stake.

“It would mean the world to us,” he said. “We promised ourselves we’d chase that.”

With Kinghorn and Ryan stepping in, Furlong and Itoje anchoring the pack, and a bench stacked with impact, the Lions have everything in place to chase history. But Australia, bruised and prideful, will be desperate to respond.

Accor Stadium awaits. And one way or another, this one’s going to leave a mark.