Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan to start in final Lions Test against Australia
Kinghorn is selected on the left wing with James Lowe dropping out of the 23 while Ryan replaces Ollie Chessum, who has been named on the bench. Kinghorn impressed as a replacement in the last-gasp victory in Melbourne last week and though he is a fullback by trade, he often appears on the wing for Toulouse.
Ryan also caught the eye off the bench at the MCG and comes into the starting XV alongside Maro Itoje, who continues as captain. Ryan is one of nine Ireland players selected along with Tadhg Furlong who will equal Alun Wyn Jones in starting nine consecutive Tests for the Lions. Itoje will also appear in his ninth straight Lions Test, having made his debut off the bench in New Zealand in 2017.
Lowe pays the price for indifferent form in the first two Tests but Farrell has resisted making wholesale changes to his side which will bid to become the first to complete a series whitewash since 1927 and the first to go unbeaten since 1974. It means that Sione Tuipulotu again misses out with Bundee Aki and Huw Jones keeping their places in midfield.
It is unclear whether Joe McCarthy was deemed fit to play, having missed the second Test with a foot injury, but Ryan is rewarded for his form of late after a slow start to the tour. On the bench, Owen Farrell is again selected as part of a 6-2 split with Ben Earl also recalled, having missed out in Melbourne.
Up front Furlong is joined by Leinster teammates Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter again while Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry and Jack Conan keep their places in the back-row. Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are again the halfbacks while Tommy Freeman stays on the right wing and Hugo Keenan is once more named at fullback after his last-minute try sealed the series win last week.
On the bench, Ellis Genge, Ronan Kelleher and Will Stuart again provide front-row cover while Chessum, Jac Morgan and Earl complete the forwards contingent. Joining Farrell among the backs is Alex Mitchell, who has now been named in every squad on the tour.
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'We have put ourselves in a great position to finish this Tour with our best performance to date and create our own piece of history,' Andy Farrell said. 'Last weekend's Test match in Melbourne was an incredible spectacle and illustrated how special Lions Tours are and what they mean to both the players and the supporters. We are expecting another epic battle this weekend against a Wallaby side that showed their quality last week.'
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The Sun
17 minutes ago
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He's a stayer who won't be stopping' – Templegate's big 11-2 NAP on the final day of Goodwood
TEMPLEGATE is in red-hot form and he tackles Saturday's action from Glorious Goodwood confident of smashing the bookies once more. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. SAM HAWKENS (1.55 Goodwood, nap) He is a stayer on the up as he showed when scooting in over 1m5f at Hamilton last time. There was a bit of juice in the ground at the Scottish track and he wasn't stopping at the line. This is a hotter race but there's more to come. SAYIDAH HARD SPUN (2.10 Newmarket, nb) She has won two of her past three runs and saw out this trip well when scoring at Ascot last time. The handicapper has been fair with a 3lb rise in the weights and she can take another step forward. She won this race 12 months ago and returning to this trip and track can bring out her best form. She was beaten when odds-on at Sandown last time but that was a muddling race and he was only two lengths away at the line. We know she stays and a little give in the ground is fine while William Haggas is in fine form. GOODWOOD 1.20 ARABIAN CROWN was a solid third in a Newmarket Group 2 last time and the form has been franked here this week. He goes on any ground and sees out this trip. There's more to come from this four-year-old. Al Aasy won this last year and, while he's not the greatest battler, his class will see him close again. Candleford is seven now but looked as good as ever when taking a Beverley Listed prize last month. He likes this trip and William Haggas is in decent form. Meydaan was second on his last visit here in May and has been running well at Listed level without winning. Ryan Moore taking over is a plus but he needs a bit more to score. Ambiente Friendly hasn't fired this season and has been gelded since a poor effort at Royal Ascot. 1.55 SAM HAWKENS is a stayer on the up as he showed when scooting in over 1m5f at Hamilton last time. There was a bit of juice in the ground at the Scottish track and he wasn't stopping at the line. This is a hotter race but there's more to come. Aeronautic was a good fifth in the Copper Horse handicap at Royal Ascot over this distance and is open to improvement for Joseph O'Brien. He's off the same mark and may prefer this slightly slower ground. Stressfree would have a massive chance if seeing out this longer trip. He has been going well around 1m4f and looks a big price to place. French Duke is another stepping up in distance and he won at this meeting last season. Roger Varian's hope is 10lb higher than that now but should have more to offer. Master Builder often travels well without winning but he has scored over this trip and didn't run badly on his last run here. 2.30 TERM OF ENDEARMENT won this race 12 months ago and returning to this trip and track can bring out her best form. She was beaten when odds-on at Sandown last time but that was a muddling race and he was only two lengths away at the line. We know she stays and a little give in the ground is fine while William Haggas is in fine form. Danielle is interesting on this hike in distance having shown Group quality over shorter. This may not be the day after a long break she's one to watch. Fellow Gosden runner Sueno was a solid second at Newmarket latest and ran well over this distance at York before that. She is another with solid claims. Goodie Two Shoes won a Group 3 over this distance at Fairyhouse latest and is respected with William Buick up. Waardah is a three-year-old with a bright future after a Listed win here in June. That was over 1m2f so she has to prove her staying power. I'M in the PUROSANGUE gang in the £250,000 Stewards' Cup. Top jockey William Buick teams up with Andrew Balding with this four-year-old who saves his best for this distance and likes soft ground. He should get his conditions here and run a big race at fair odds. Last year's winner Get It took the Wokingham last time and will go close again, while Completely Random also went well at Royal Ascot. Elmonjed is another one high on the shortlist. Here's my guide to the big field, where I rate them 1 (worst) to 5 (best): ALZAHIR 3 HIR we go. Went off far too quick at York last time after three good wins. Goes on any ground and may bounce back at too big a price. ANNAF 3 AF a go. Big player at best but unreliable and slow away too often. Talented if getting a clean break but has a big weight. APOLLO ONE 3 ONE show. Twice second in this and always runs his race but probably needs a personal best to finally win it. CIRCE 4 YES Cir. Strong traveller with three wins this summer. Up in class but big field suits and Moore up. Handles soft. COMMANCHE FALLS 2 COM on. Dual winner of this race in his proime. Stable back in nick but latest form underwhelming. Hard to rule out, but needs best to hit the frame. COMPLETELY RANDOM 4 RAN raid. Good run in the Wokingham latest and will love the pace of this. Just the type to pop up in a race like this. DESERT COP 1 COP out. Decent form in Bahrain but has been poor back here. Looks the yard's second string. DRAMA 2 NO Drama. Plenty of form on AW but turf record is weaker. Unlucky last time but needs more for this. ELMONJED 4 EL of a bet. Improved a bundle to win at York and likes this trip and going. More weight but a major player. GERMANIC 2 TOO Manic. Two quiet on turf efforts since a big run over this at Newcastle. Trip fine but needs a lot more. GET IT 4 IT makes sense. Won this at 40s last year and took the Wokingham last time in style. Only 4lb higher and set for bold bid from from front. No shock to see him go very close. HAMMER THE HAMMER 3 HAMMER time. Good second at Royal Ascot over 5f and likes this trip. Not tackled slow ground before but it's early days and there's more to come. JAKAJARO 3 ALRIGHT Jak. Unlucky at Ascot and ran well here Tuesday. First try at 6f but looks well treated. Off the same mark and not discounted. JORDAN ELECTRICS 1 JOR drop. Getting on a bit now and poor comeback latest. Hard to fancy despite trainer Jim Goldie being in good form. JUNGLE DRUMS 1 JUNGLE juiced. Fair 2yo but been poor for a while and this looks much too tough. Drums out of tune. KORKER 3 KOR blimey. Hold-up horse who needs luck but trip fine and likes soft. Each-way shout if getting the breaks. ORAZIO 1 ON Raz. Hit and miss last year and poor comeback at Ascot. Hard to fancy despite handling any ground. PUROSANGUE 5 URO Star. Backed for this last year on firm but best efforts on soft and dropped to a very nice mark. Can go close. RUN BOY RUN 3 ON Run. Has been reliable in top 6f races and didn't stay 7f last twice. Back to best trip and could sneak a place. SAINT LAWRENCE 1 LAW broken. Not won since the 2023 Wokingham and poor in that race this year. Tall order in current form. SEVEN QUESTIONS 1 SEVEN down. Group 3 winner last term over 5f and best at that trip. Shown little form this season. STRIKE RED 3 RED alert. Best of group behind Elmonjed at York. Nicely treated and peaking at right time. Can run a good race. THE X O 1 CROSS out X. Out of sorts for a while and tailed off on stable debut. Trip suits but not good enough for this. TOCA MADERA 2 MAD bet. Good third at York in May and holding his form but doesn't look well treated in first-time cheekpieces. TWILIGHT CALLS 1 TWILIGHT in dark. Three years without a win tells the tale. Best over this trip but likely to struggle again. TWILIGHT JET 2 JET must fly. Ran well at Epsom but was poor here on Tuesday. Prefers this trip on soft but needs a lot more. TWO TRIBES 3 TWO true. Won strong 7f race last week at Ascot and stamina may help in conditions. Could get involved late. VADREAM 2 BAD Vad. Was tailed off at Royal Ascot and on a long losing run. Slow ground suits but up against it again. 3.45 SPIRIT OF FARHH looks a big price given how well he took a Newmarket handicap over this trip 14 days ago. The ground was tacky on the July course but he went through it nicely and is open to improvement. In-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has a good record here and can go close again. Montpellier won a couple of maidens and ran well at Salisbury on handicap debut last time. There's more to come with this step up in distance a wise move. Consolidation was snookered by the draw at Royal Ascot but won over this course and distance two starts ago. It's early days and there should be a lot more to come. Mudbir is bred to be classy and scored on handicap debut at Sandown 28 days ago. He should progress from there from the Gosdens and looks a big player. Rare Change was hampered at Newcastle last time after winning at Pontefract. He likes this trip and has place claims. Yah Mo Be There ran well in the Jersey Stakes from a moderate draw and is another danger. NEWMARKET 2.10 SAYIDAH HARD SPUN has won two of her past three runs and saw out this trip well when scoring at Ascot last time. The handicapper has been fair with a 3lb rise in the weights and she can take another step forward. Awaafi was a promising second at Haydock last time. She shapes as though seven furlongs would be ideal but her stamina could be an asset here. Azleet enjoyed the all-weather when scoring over this distance at Southwell 20 three weeks ago. Her opening handicap mark of 76 looks on the lenient side and there should be more to come. Ruby's Angel is another making her handicap debut and was a place behind Awaafi last time. Despite that she carries 1lb more which seems a little strange but she's not out of this. Meelaf completes the field for in-form Karl Burke and has run well at Group 3 level so is no mug in this wide-open contest. Her mark is not the kindest and she might have less scope than a few of these now but she's quick. 3.20 MERIBELLA had some traffic problems in a Pontefract Listed race last time so did well to finish third. This trip is ideal and she will be on the premises again. Jane Temple clocked a personal best when third in a similar contest to this last time. She goes on any ground and will be right there. Silent Love steps out of maiden company where she landed a battling success at Kempton latest. This longer trip will suit and there's a fair bit more to come. Sioux Life is an Italian Group 2 winner over 1m2f so has quality but her first crack at this trip at Haydock last time was only a modest run. Karmology was second in good company at Beverley and will try to nick this off the front. She's likely to be collared by a couple in the closing stages. Templegate's tips Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
The Guardian
43 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Your Guardian sport weekend: third Lions Test, England v India and Women's Open
The Lions have history on their minds as they head into the third and final Test against the Wallabies determined to sweep a series for the first time in living memory, with Lee Calvert keeping the updates flowing. No Lions team has even gone unbeaten since Willie John McBride's Invincibles in South Africa in 1974, when a controversial draw in the fourth match denied them the sweep. The Lions did sweep Argentina 4-0 in 1927 and also beat the Wallabies 2-0 three times in the 1950s and 1960s as part of losing tours of New Zealand, but you would need to go back to 1904 for the last 3-0 triumph on a trip solely to Australia. For Australia, Saturday is all about salvaging some pride after losing the second Test, and the series, to a last-minute try in Melbourne last week. The Wallabies have proved they can play by 'winning' the second half of the opening Test 14-10 in Brisbane and taking a 23-5 lead after half an hour of the second in Melbourne. Reporting from Sydney are Robert Kitson, Gerard Meagher and Angus Fontaine. After two weather-affected days of play at the Oval, day three gets underway, with Tanya Aldred and Rob Smyth your over-by-over hosts. India have faced England in 14 matches at the Oval, and seven have ended in a draw. India only have two wins, and those came 50 years apart. In 1971, and more recently in 2021's fourth Test. The tourists were then indebted to Shardul Thakur's twin half-centuries that rescued a 100-run first-innings deficit. Our reporting team at the Oval is Ali Martin, Barney Ronay and Simon Burnton. The eighth chapter of this year's race takes place in the mountains – the queen stage of the 2025 edition. Straight into the Bauges massif, on the way out of Chambéry comes the formidable Col de Plainpalais (13.2km at 6.3%). After the Col du Frêne, the race arrives at the Maurienne, where its toughest flank promises a rigorous test for the riders. Extending to 18.6km, with regular changes in gradient (averaging 8.1%) and a rough surface, it's a climb certain to spur breakaways. Amy Sedghi keeps the live updates flowing. Barry Glendenning has all the news, action and transfer updates as the EFL season begins with a full programme of League One and Two fixtures. Games to watch out for include Cardiff's first outing at Peterborough in the lunchtime kick-off. The Welsh club were relegated last season but a fresh start under new manager Brian Barry-Murphy offers hope. Huddersfield have also changed manager, bringing in Lee Grant for what is the former Stoke goalkeeper's first managerial role. They meet Leyton Orient, who made it to Wembley but fell just short in the playoff final. In League Two, Simon Mail is at MK Dons v Oldham. England begin their home World Cup on Friday 22 August against the United States in Sunderland but first up are two warm-ups: Spain at Leicester, followed by France next weekend. Flanker Abi Burton is expected to make her first Test start for England. The 25-year-old Trailfinders player scored two tries as a replacement on her international debut against Wales during the Six Nations before again coming off the bench in the successful Grand Slam decider against France. She will line up at blindside flanker in a back row that contains Marlie Packer as captain and Maddie Feaunati at eight. Luke McLaughlin reports from the King Power. Lando Norris finished second to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri at Spa, the Australian once more edging clear as the title frontrunner with a 16-point lead. Mercedes, meanwhile, will be seeking to step up before the summer break in a fluctuating season for George Russell. The British driver claimed four podiums in the first six races, and one in the next seven, albeit his victory in Canada. Worryingly, a batch of hot upgrades to his car have made little improvement to his fortunes. 'It seems quite strange how we've gone so far backwards,' he quails. Tom Bassam follows the action live online, with Giles Richards at the Hungaroring. The Sussex meeting has certainly offered some surprises and the keenest of racing followers will no doubt be drawn to Saturday's Coral Stewards' Cup. Contenders include Group-class sprinter in the making Hammer The Hammer. Kevin Ryan's three-year-old only ran twice last year and his improvement this season has been startling. Runner-up first time back at Southwell, he then won there in March off a mark of 80 and won again off 82 before bolting up at Chester's May meeting off 88 when he was put away for Ascot. Greg Wood is up on the Trundle with reports and tipping expertise. The Alexander Stadium sees the UK's leading athletes contest for national titles and spots on the Great Britain team for this year's World Championships, which take place in India in October. Day one has plenty to offer, and culminates in the men and women's 100m finals. Ben Bloom reports from Birmingham. India trail 2-1 in the series after the first four Tests, their batters digging them out of a huge Old Trafford hole in the last Test, despite being nought for two in the first over and trailing by more than 300 runs. If anything this compelling, dramatic and often petulant series has shown time and again that it's direction can take an acute turn at any moment. Taha Hashim and James Wallace bring you all the action over by over from day four of the fifth Test at the Oval. Scott Murray keeps a watchful and expert eye on final-round developments at Royal Porthcawl. Japanese players Rio Takeda and Eri Okayama dominated the early rounds, with Chisato Iwai, Mao Saigo and Shiho Kuwaki offering a challenge. But there is certainly more to come from the 21-year-old sensation Lottie Woad as well as fellow English golfer Mimi Rhodes. The latter, a 23-year-old from Bath, played in the 2024 Curtis Cup before turning professional and has enjoyed a spectacular year on the Ladies European Tour with three victories. World No 1 Nelly Korda and home favourite Darcey Harry, from nearby Penarth and a Royal Porthcawl member, will keep the pressure on. Ewan Murray reports. This year's edition reaches what is certain to be a compelling if gruelling climax, the '100% Haute-Savoie' finale offering riders a last heave for glory. The day's action begins on the Côte d'Arâches-la-Frasse (6.2km at 7.1%), then on to the Joux Plane (11.6km at 8.5%), taking no prisoners on the Col du Corbier (5.9km at 8.5%). The climb towards the finish, at Pré la Joux, is steep as it passes through Châtel on the rough and tumble Route de la Bechigne. Plenty of drama to keep Amy Sedghi busy in the telling. Following a declaration of loyalty this week, Max Verstappen's break clause from his Red Bull deal can no longer be activated, after his fourth-placed finish in Belgium last Sunday ensured he will not be lower than third in the world championship at the summer intermission which follows Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. As a sidebar to the internecine tussle of the McLarens, quite how defending world champion Verstappen – 81 points off the title pace – fares will be another keen narrative to follow at the Hungaroring. Dominic Booth keeps you updated with Giles Richards on reporting duties.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Dragons forward Jack de Belin to face ex‑cop who lied in sexual assault case that was ultimately dropped
Jack de Belin will next week face a former police officer in court who admitted lying during his sexual assault proceedings. The officer, known only as Officer A, will be sentenced for giving false evidence under oath in 2020. The false testimony related to his handling of legally privileged text messages found on de Belin's seized phone. The officer, under a court suppression order, pleaded guilty to perjury. The charge relates to false evidence given in February 2020 in the NSW District Court. He told the court he believed text messages between de Belin and his lawyer were 'Dragons business'. The messages were in fact with solicitor Craig Osborne, a Dragons director and part of de Belin's legal team. Police seized de Belin's phone in December 2019 and examined it using Cellebrite software. They accessed 203 messages between de Belin and 'Craig Lawyer', many covered by legal privilege. Lawyers for de Belin and co‑accused Callan Sinclair argued this breached their right to a fair trial. The issue emerged during a pre‑trial stay application, which was rejected. De Belin and Sinclair were accused of sexually assaulting a 19‑year‑old woman in December 2018. They denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. The first trial in 2020 ended without a verdict. A retrial in 2021 also failed to reach a verdict. The Director of Public Prosecutions later dropped all charges. Both men maintained the encounter was consensual. The NSW Police Professional Standards Command investigated Officer A's conduct for three years. He was later medically retired from the force. He will be sentenced in Wollongong District Court on Tuesday. De Belin, Sinclair and their families are expected to attend. They have called for an inquiry into police handling of the case. De Belin was sidelined from the NRL for three years under the 'no fault' stand‑down rule. He challenged the policy in the Federal Court but lost. Justice Melissa Perry ruled the rule lawful. De Belin returned to the field after the case ended. He has since played regularly for the Dragons. The 34‑year‑old has made 245 NRL appearances since 2011. He has represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Papua New Guinea at Test level. Earlier this year, Parramatta Eels announced they had signed him for 2025. De Belin said leaving the Dragons 'broke his heart' after his long career at the club.
