
Lions to empty the tank in search of 80-minute performance in last test
The test series is already sewn up with Lions victories in Brisbane and Melbourne but going into Saturday's tour finale at Sydney's Stadium Australia, the tourists still feel they have not played their best rugby.
Scotland forwards coach Dalziel said the squad were naturally tired after two months on the road but also determined to bid farewell to Australia with a 10th win and an 80-minute performance.
"Well for us it's the only way to end this now, isn't it?" he told reporters at Stadium Australia.
"We don't want anything to derail it. We know it's going to be incredibly hard work. It'll be more wet playing here. So we have just got to find that energy and go again and get that performance that we all want.
"I think that's the key to it – there's still a performance in us. We've had 40 minutes in both of the tests. We want to give our supporters, we want to give everybody watching at home, a full 80 minutes and then show them what the Lions are about."
Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong would have more cause than many to feel fatigued having played in six of the nine matches so far in one of the most demanding positions on the park.
The determination of the Lions to close out the tour in style means the 32-year-old will suit up again on Saturday for his sixth start of the tour, and his last in a Lions shirt.
In doing so, Furlong will match Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones' record of nine consecutive Lions test starts going back to the series opener against the All Blacks in 2017.
"It is a little bit emotional, the Lions have played a massive part in my career," the tighthead told reporters on Thursday.
"It has shaped the way I play the game and think about the game. I know this Lions tour will be me closing the book on the Lions. I don't want it to end. It is a special thing to be a Lion."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Jurgen Klopp could play crucial role to help Liverpool complete Alexander Isak transfer
Jurgen Klopp is now a leading figure at Red Bull and he's central to their pursuit of Harvey Elliott - which could help fund Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak Liverpool remain keen on landing Alexander Isak, who has told Newcastle he wants to seek pastures new - with the Reds already seeing an opening bid for the Swede rejected. They tabled an overall over worth £120million, but that was knocked back by their Premier League rivals. The Magpies value Isak closer to £150m after seeing him establish himself as one of Europe's leading No 9s since moving to St James' Park. Liverpool have already spent well over £200m but could still break the British-transfer record for the second time in a single summer. Their transfer efforts will be aided by more money coming into the club and former manager Jurgen Klopp is now Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull and plays a major role in their recruitment. Bild reports that Klopp is particularly keen to bring Harvey Elliott to RB Leipzig with the Englishman tipped to move on this summer. Despite having options to remain in England the German, who bought Elliott to Anfield back in 2019, wants to lure him to the Bundesliga. Elliott has seen his stock rise this summer after excelling at the U21 Euros with England, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He is being eyed by the likes of Brighton and West Ham, but Leipzig represent a chance for him to head overseas. Liverpool are looking to bank around £50m if they are to let Elliott, who only started two Premier League games last term, leave. That fee would also represent pure profit and further bolster their transfer kitty ahead of a renewed move for Isak. Germany has proved to be an excellent environment for English talent to thrive. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made their names at Borussia Dortmund, are shining examples of how heading to the Bundesliga can be hugely beneficial for one's career. The 22-year-old acknowledges he needs to be selfish with his next move and said recently: 'If I had it my way, I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that. I love everything about the club. But at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish with myself and see what's best for me. "I have big ambitions, I want to get in the World Cup [squad], keep being successful as a player. I think it's still something I need to review, I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. Obviously we have many new players that have come in, so whether it blocks the path for me, I'm not sure. It's something for me to decide and have a look at. As I said, just review the situation." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh players who could be on the 2029 Lions tour including rising star who has real X-factor
Welsh players who could be on the 2029 Lions tour including rising star who has real X-factor There were only two Welsh players on the 2025 Lions tour Louis Rees-Zammit won't be short of suitors after his return to rugby (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) In the aftermath of the British & Irish Lions' defeat in the third Test against Australia last weekend, chairman Ieuan Evans was asked about the lack of Welsh representation on tour. "That needs to drive players to say 'OK, I want a piece of the action. I want to be playing in four years' time in New Zealand," said the former Wales and Lions wing. That Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams were the only two Welshmen on this summer's tour should be a cause of embarrassment for the Welsh Rugby Union. The next Lions tour to New Zealand is four years away and a significant amount can change in such a period of time. But, as it stands, who would be the leading contenders from Wales and are there any players who have not yet broken through that are capable of reaching the heights? Jac Morgan Let's get the obvious one out of the way to begin with. The Wales star was superb in Australia, with his controversial clearout on Wallabies openside Carlo Tizzano at the death in Melbourne playing a pivotal role in the Lions snatching victory in the second Test. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Morgan will be 29 by the time the Lions get set to face the All Blacks so, injury permitting, he should be on that plane in four years' time. Louis Rees-Zammit The 24-year-old is heading back to rugby union after an 18-month spell in the NFL and you can bet your bottom dollar on the Welsh speedster making an instant impact in the game in which he made his name. Rees-Zammit should be applauded for trying his hand at American football but one significant consequence was the fact he missed out on this summer's Lions tour having been involved in 2021. Tommy Freeman, James Lowe and Blair Kinghorn are all fine players but none of them possess the electric speed and finishing ability of Rees-Zammit. As of yet, the Welshman has not announced what club he will be signing for but according to reports he is keen to sign up to rugby's new rebel competition R360. But Rees-Zammit will undoubtedly break back into the Wales side and should be a strong contender to tour in 2029. Dewi Lake The 26-year-old hooker was perhaps a bit unlucky not to get called up to the recent tour after England's Luke Cowan-Dickie suffered an injury. Lake was spoken of as a serious contender in the two years leading up to the tour, but an injury during the Six Nations, along with Matt Sherratt opting to select Elliot Dee to start, probably put paid to his hopes. But the Ospreys star is more than capable of making an impact at that level with his powerful carrying game, set-piece prowess along with his dynamism standing out. Lake will be 30 in 2029 and the Lions will no doubt be a goal of his over the next four years. Morgan Morse Morse is still only 20 and hasn't even established himself as first choice for the Ospreys yet - but this guy is a serious talent. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Ask anyone working in Welsh rugby's pathways or within the professional game who the biggest prospect in Wales is and it would be a big surprise if they did not go for Morse. The rising Ospreys star can play across the entire backrow and is pure X-factor. Morse has a lovely blend of athleticism and raw physicality while he is also an explosive carrier who is equally as comfortable in the tight as the wide channels. It is a matter of when not if he makes his mark with Wales and Morse certainly has the potential to become a future Lion. Dafydd Jenkins The 22-year-old has had a rough time of it for Wales over the past couple of years but despite the losing run he has been one of the better players. Jenkins is highly regarded within rugby circles and certainly has the potential to become a Lion in the future. The Exeter Chiefs lock is a physical specimen who gets through a huge amount of the unseen dirty work which provides the platform for others to claim the glory. Article continues below He is also a natural leader of men having captained Wales throughout a Six Nations campaign at the age of 20. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. In four years time the likes of Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan could still be around while the likes of Irish second-row Cormac Izuchukwu and England U20s lock Junior Kpoku, among others, could also be contenders by then. But Jenkins certainly has the ability to be in the mix depending on the state of Welsh rugby at the time.


Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Evidence Man Utd's £74m Benjamin Sesko deal isn't a total gamble as Jude Bellingham beaten
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, and one of the striker's statistics that beats out Jude Bellingham may reassure fans that the move is no gamble Incoming Manchester United recruit Benjamin Sesko is the top scorer under the age of 23 in Europe's five biggest leagues over the past two seasons. Ruben Amorim appears to be getting a new No. 9 in the form of RB Leipzig star Sesko, who is the subject of a £65.3million bid from the Red Devils, which could rise to nearly £74m if certain add-ons are achieved. Premier League rivals Newcastle have also shown interest in the striker and have put forward a more lucrative proposal than United's, but the 22-year-old's preference is a move to Old Trafford. Sesko is currently training separately from his Leipzig colleagues, according to a statement released by his club, and while some have expressed doubts about his abilities and hefty price tag, his goal-scoring statistics speak for themselves. Over the last two seasons, no player under the age of 23 has scored more goals than Sesko in Europe's top five leagues, as he's netted 39 in just 87 matches, reports the Manchester Evening News. This puts him one goal ahead of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and five goals ahead of Florian Wirtz, whose summer transfer to Liverpool could set a British record if certain add-ons are met. In fourth place on the list is Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala, who has racked up 33 goals during this period, followed by PSG's Bradley Barcola and German ace Maximilian Beier on 26. Sesko's impressive goal-scoring record, outperforming some of Europe's top young talents, will be a welcome sound to Amorim's ears. It suggests that the 22-year-old won't be overwhelmed when he arrives in Manchester, and United are fully committed to Sesko, having already agreed personal terms with him. Current Red Devil Rasmus Hojlund, who also scored 26 goals during this period, underscores the gap between him and Sesko. Despite not being entirely goal-shy since his £72m move to Old Trafford in 2023, the Dane has struggled to meet high expectations. Now, it seems likely that Sesko will join United, and Hojlund is reportedly prepared for the possibility of being pushed out if the Slovenian signs. Just two seasons after his £72m transfer, Hojlund could be available for as little as £30m, less than half of what was originally paid for him. However, during United's pre-season tour of the US, Hojlund expressed optimism about his future, stating: "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. "I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. "I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that. "Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."