Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan have been named to start for the British & Irish Lions in their third Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, as head coach Andy Farrell aims for a series whitewash. Kinghorn replaces James Lowe on the left wing, while Ryan takes the place of Ollie Chessum, who drops to the bench.
Kinghorn impressed as a replacement in the Lions' last-gasp victory in Melbourne last week and, though primarily a fullback, frequently plays on the wing for Toulouse. Ryan also caught the eye off the bench at the MCG and partners captain Maro Itoje in the second row. Ryan is one of nine Ireland players selected, alongside Tadhg Furlong, who will equal Alun Wyn Jones by starting nine consecutive Tests for the Lions.
James Lowe pays the price for indifferent form in the first two Tests, but Farrell has resisted wholesale changes. Sione Tuipulotu again misses out, with Bundee Aki and Huw Jones keeping their places in midfield. Joe McCarthy's fitness remains unclear after he missed the second Test with a foot injury, but Ryan is rewarded for his recent form.
On the bench, Owen Farrell is again selected as part of a 6-2 split, with Ben Earl recalled after missing out in Melbourne. Up front, Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter join Furlong, while Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan retain their back-row spots. Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell continue as half-backs, Tommy Freeman stays on the right wing, and Hugo Keenan is again at fullback.
The Lions aim to become the first side to complete a series whitewash since 1927, and the first to go unbeaten since 1974. “We have put ourselves in a great position to finish this tour with our best performance and create our own piece of history,” said Farrell.
