Andy Farrell has described suggestions that the Wallabies are not worthy opponents for the British & Irish Lions as 'insulting', and insisted it would be a mistake to stop touring Australia. The Lions head coach spoke ahead of Saturday's third Test in Sydney, where his side can secure a first clean sweep since 1927.
The Lions have already made history by becoming the first touring side to win consecutive series in Australia, but the Wallabies' lowly world ranking of sixth has prompted debate about the future of tours Down Under. Some figures, including former Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward and ex-player Brian Moore, have suggested alternative opponents such as France or Argentina.
Farrell, however, dismissed the idea. 'Every single team, country, province has their ups and downs, but Australia – the sporting nation they are – are always going to come back,' he said. 'Have a look at the year they've got coming up. They're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100%, come the World Cup in 2027.'
The Lions captain Maro Itoje also voiced support for maintaining traditional tours. Meanwhile, Farrell has made only two changes to his starting lineup for the final Test, with Blair Kinghorn replacing James Lowe on the left wing and James Ryan coming into the second row. Ollie Chessum drops to a 6-2 bench.
Farrell also condemned the online abuse directed at Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano, who was the subject of a controversial clearout by Jac Morgan in last week's second Test. Australia coach Joe Schmidt revealed the clearout registered a force of 54G, and Tizzano has been omitted from the squad for the third Test. Farrell said: 'Online abuse is clear and obvious. It's disgusting. It shouldn't be that way.'
