LIONS RUGBY WATCH
Western Force duo Nic White and Dylan Pietsch join ACT Brumbies flanker Tom Hooper as other additions to the squad for the match in Sydney.
In a late change, hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa replaces David Porecki on the bench who suffered a heel injury at training. Bill Pollard steps up to the starting XV.
The game will be White’s final Test game after he recently announced his retirement from international Rugby.
Tupou starts for the first time in 2025 after Allan Alaalatoa’s shoulder injury ruled him out. He partners Pollard and James Slipper in the front row; Slipper is set for his 147th Test appearance, one behind All Blacks great Richie McCaw on the all-time appearance list.
In further changes, Zane Nonggorr comes onto the bench for his first appearance in the Lions tour as Schmidt reverts back to a 5-3 bench split.
Tom Hooper replaces club teammate Rob Valetini after the back-rower pulled up sore from last week.
“The squad was certainly deflated after the gut-wrenching end to last week’s Test in Melbourne but they have started to gather momentum in the back half of the week and will be ready to go again on Saturday,” Schmidt told rugby.com.au.
“The support in Brisbane and Melbourne helped to lift the squad. I know the support this weekend in Accor Stadium, will again help to lift the players in the high-pressure moments that we know are coming.”
Wallabies: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Nic White, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson and Andrew Kellaway.
Meanwhile, nine Irish players have been named in the Lions’ starting XV by Lions and Ireland coach Andy Farrell.
His son, Owen is also on the bench.
Lions: Hugo Keenan, Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, Blair Kinghorn, Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje (c), James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan. Reserves: Ronan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jac Morgan (Ospreys/Wales), Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Owen Farrell.
