The main talking points as British and Irish Lions target Australia whitewash
Andy Farrell's tourists enhanced their reputations by showing they have the character to match their quality after emerging from a desperately tight second Test with a series victory. Now they are determined to take their place in the Lions pantheon by ending their Australia expedition with a 100 per cent record. No Lions team have won every Test since the 1927 visit to Argentina, while the 1974 'Invincibles' who took on South Africa were the last side to complete an unbeaten tour.
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The series may already have been won, but no mercy is being shown to Australia in selection. Rather than rotating in fresh legs to reward deserving squad members who just missed the cut, the established 23 have been retained with the hard grafting James Ryan and unpredictable Blair Kinghorn the only new starters. The selection for the Sydney Olympic Park clash reflects how much the Lions value the clean sweep and by Saturday night only 27 players will have been used in the Tests.
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Farrell has been reluctant to say if he wanted to take charge of the next Lions tour to New Zealand in 2029, but after masterminding Australia's demise with a game to spare, the job would be his to turn down. Apart from the success on the field, the Ireland boss has created a harmonious squad environment and is revered by his players and coaching staff. When the tourists talk about a united squad effort, they mean it. 'I just love everything that the Lions is about' said Farrell on Thursday and there is no better champion for the institution described by manager Ieuan Evans as a 'glorious anachronism'.
Tadhg Furlong reaches a special milestone on Saturday by making his ninth successive start for the Lions, becoming only the seventh player to do so but the first in the professional era. For three consecutive tours the remarkable Ireland tighthead prop has acted as the cornerstone of the scrum, as well proving his quality in every other department of the game. Adding to the achievement is that he has kept his place in the Lions' front row despite his season being ravaged by calf and hamstring injuries. When he returns home, it will be as a Lions great.
Our team. Your team 🦘#Wallabies #LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/yGJ2G82aNA
— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 31, 2025
Australia shot down critics questioning their place among the Lions' tour destinations by going within 51 seconds of winning a captivating second Test. It was the performance needed from the Wallabies to validate the tour but the question now is how much they have left in the tank after rising to the occasion so manfully in Melbourne. Star forward Rob Valetini has been ruled out by his calf problem, but offsetting that major blow is that Will Skelton is able to continue in the second row despite his recent calf injury. The Wallabies are underdogs, but avoiding a whitewash is all the motivation they need to cause an upset.
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Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as WRU chief addresses Ospreys-Scarlets rumours and Lions bosses hold talks over next tour
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WRU issue statement on Scarlets investment The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a statement after the Scarlets secured significant new investment by entering into a partnership with US-based House of Luxury (HOL). Under the terms of the proposal, HOL's dedicated sports and entertainment investment division intends to acquire a majority controlling stake of 55 per cent in the club. It has already assumed non-rugby operational leadership in partnership with the existing Scarlets board. Former Welsh Rugby Union CEO David Moffett heads up HOL's sports and entertainment division, while others involved in the project include former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, leading brand strategist Andy Golding and digital sports strategist Leanne Batts. The club's new partners will take up current financial liabilities and responsibility for commercial growth and future strategic vision reporting directly to the Scarlets board, while working towards a full equity transaction. 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Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
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Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Wales Online
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