Rob Valetini Misses Final Lions Test as Australia Shuffle the Pack
Valetini out, Tupou and White in as Wallabies plot comeback at Accor Stadium
Sydney is set to host the third and final Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions this Saturday, and all eyes will be on a reshuffled Wallabies side. Most notably, influential flanker Rob Valetini is absent, sidelined with a calf issue, as coach Joe Schmidt makes a series of changes to try to salvage pride—and avoid a whitewash.
Valetini was a standout in the 29‑26 loss during the second Test in Melbourne, delivering a strong first‑half performance before being removed at halftime. With his calf tightening up, Schmidt confirmed Valetini will not feature this week—a precautionary decision, mindful of Australia’s busy schedule following the Lions series.
A Wallaby Side in Transition: Debuts and Decisions
With Valetini missing, Schmidt has turned to experienced campaigners and fresh faces alike. Nic White, who recently announced his retirement from international rugby, starts at scrum-half. While some speculated his inclusion might be sentimental, Schmidt defended the call, noting White’s caliber under pressure and reliable kicking game—especially in what are expected to be wet conditions.
Up front, imposing prop Taniela Tupou returns at tighthead, making his first Test appearance of the Tour. Replacing Allan Alaalatoa, the 23-stone powerhouse is seen as a raw but potentially game-changing addition capable of bringing extra presence in the scrum and around the field.
Schmidt’s mindset: resilience, recovery and renewal

We want to be part of something very special – Itoje Australia Valetini
Australia coach Joe Schmidt described the mood after Melbourne as emotionally draining: “It was an incredibly deflated group… It was almost like a grieving process over the first few days.” But he’s confident that the squad has regrouped in time.
Schmidt stressed that newcomer players like Tupou offer “a real burst of energy” in a squad that looked flat in the first Test and, again, late in the second. Injecting fresh legs is one way the Wallabies hope to break the momentum built by the Lions.
Tizzano’s Controversy and Pietsch’s Inclusion
Drama from the second Test carried over too. Carlo Tizzano, at the centre of a contentious ruck collision with Lions flanker Jac Morgan, is not in the squad for the decider. Schmidt confirmed Tizzano has endured a week of online abuse, partly as a result of the force involved in that incident. He refused to apologize, though Schmidt noted the G-force impact during the collision was intense: “Just over 54 Gs of direct force went through his neck.”
As a result, Dylan Pietsch replaces Harry Potter on the left wing. It’s one of several tweaks Schmidt has made to both gain stability and send signals about discipline and safety standards within the squad.
Lineups Locked In: Experience and Youth Combine
Wallabies (Australia):
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Fullback: Wright
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Wings: Pietsch, Wilson
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Centers: Suaalii, Ikitau
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Half-backs: Lynagh, White
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Front Row: Slipper, Porecki, Tupou
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Second Row: Frost, Skelton
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Back Row: Hooper, McReight, (Valetini out)
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Nonggorr, Williams, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway
British & Irish Lions:
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Fullback: Keenan
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Wings: Freeman, Kinghorn
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Centers: Jones, Aki
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Half‑backs: Russell, Gibson‑Park
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Front Row: Porter, Furlong, Sheehan
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Second Row: Itoje, Ryan
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Back Row: Beirne, Curry, Conan
Lions Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Chessum, Morgan, Earl, Mitchell, Farrell
Last week’s heroics from Frewen featured heavily among the replacements, highlighting the Lions’ depth and Schmidt’s own recognition of Australia’s need for change.
What the Wallabies Need to Do Differently
Australia’s second Test performance was a tale of two halves: a bright start with a commanding 23-5 lead, followed by a surrender to British and Irish momentum. Discipline lapsed, structure broke down, and the Lions capitalised—turning the match into a heartbreaking comeback.
Schmidt knows that the third Test must be an exercise in control. With Valetini missing his usual ballast and breakdown tenacity, the Wallabies must rely on Hooper’s leadership and the freshness of players like McReight, Frost, and newcomer Tupou to deliver physicality and platform.
The forward pack must be more competitive. Lineouts and scrums need to be solid. And the backs must handle pressure situations better—particularly in wet conditions, where White’s kicking will be under scrutiny.
Stakes High at Accor Stadium in Sydney
With the series already lost, the final Test is as much about restoring Australian pride as finishing strong. A loss would mean a clean sweep by the Lions—a rare and frankly galling result for the Wallabies. Win, and they at least save face on home soil.
For the players, it’s about mindset: one last push. For the returning Tupou, it’s a chance to show what he can do at the highest level. For veterans like White, it’s about extending their legacy. And for Schmidt, it’s a final audition to show that his team can respond and reset.
The Viewing Outlook
If you can’t be at Accor Stadium this Saturday, here’s how you can follow the action:
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Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
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Date & Time: Saturday 2 August, 11:00 BST
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Coverage: Live text commentary via BBC Sport website and app—with post-match analysis on BBC iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, and the Rugby Union Weekly podcast
Final Thoughts: A Test of Character for Australia
This Test isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about the message. Australia are sending 15 into the arena who embody resilience and readiness to respond. With Rob Valetini unavailable, the emphasis shifts to collective effort: powerful scrums from Tupou, tactical control from White, and energy and aggression across the pack.
Whether this final Test marks a turning point or merely closes the door on a difficult tour will depend on how well the Wallabies execute their strategy—and whether they can back physical effort with composure under pressure. A win won’t rewrite the series, but it can salvage pride and perhaps sow the seeds for future belief.
In this one, Australia need more than just rugby. They need heart.
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