Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan Named for Lions in Decisive Test Against Wallabies
Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan have been included in the British & Irish Lions' starting lineup for their third Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, as the team aims to secure a series sweep.
Kinghorn takes the left wing position, with James Lowe omitted from the matchday squad, while Ryan steps in for Ollie Chessum, who moves to the bench. Kinghorn, primarily a fullback, made an impact as a substitute in the narrow win in Melbourne and often plays on the wing for his club.
Ryan, who impressed after coming off the bench in the previous match, joins Maro Itoje in the second row, with Itoje again leading the side. Ryan is among nine Irish players selected, including Tadhg Furlong, who will match Alun Wyn Jones' record of starting nine consecutive Lions Tests. Itoje will also make his ninth straight Lions appearance, having debuted in 2017.
Lowe’s inconsistent performances in the first two Tests see him drop out, though Andy Farrell has largely kept faith with the same group. The Lions could become the first team since 1927 to achieve a series whitewash and the first since 1974 to go unbeaten. As a result, Sione Tuipulotu misses out again, with Bundee Aki and Huw Jones retaining their midfield roles.
Ryan’s inclusion comes after a strong run of form following a slow start to the tour, while Joe McCarthy’s fitness remains uncertain after a foot injury. Owen Farrell returns to the bench in a 6-2 split, with Ben Earl also recalled after missing the last match.
The front row remains unchanged, with Furlong, Dan Sheehan, and Andrew Porter starting, while Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan continue in the back row. Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell resume their halfback partnership, with Tommy Freeman on the right wing and Hugo Keenan at fullback after his decisive try last week.
Among the replacements are Ellis Genge, Ronan Kelleher, and Will Stuart covering the front row, alongside Chessum, Jac Morgan, and Earl. Alex Mitchell, included in every squad this tour, joins Farrell as backline cover.
“We are in a strong position to finish this tour with our best performance yet and make history,” Andy Farrell said. “The last Test was a thrilling contest and showed the significance of Lions tours for players and fans. We expect another tough challenge against a skilled Australian side.”
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