Try GOLD - Free

Morgan could be back on the bench as Lions line up for final Test

Western Mail

|

July 31, 2025

THE British & Irish Lions are in the strange position of having won the series with one game to spare.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent

Morgan could be back on the bench as Lions line up for final Test

They have not been in this position since 1997 when Sir Ian McGeechan's side had already won the Test series against the-then world champions South Africa, only to lose the final Test.

Make no mistake, this Saturday's clash in Sydney is not a dead rubber and Andy Farrell will be desperate to complete a clean sweep over the Wallabies.

Some will say Farrell shouldn't try to fix what isn't broken, while there is an equally valid opinion which says the Lions coach should tinker with his side by bringing in some fresh legs.

We will find out what Farrell does over the next couple of days, but this is the team we would pick for the third Lions Test, and what we think is most likely.

15. Hugo Keenan

The 29-year-old recovered from a nasty virus which affected his performances earlier on in the tour to play a pivotal role in the series win.

Keenan was outstanding in Melbourne with his positional play, solidity under the high ball and matchwinning try marking the Irishman out as a key player. With the Test series already in the bag with one game remaining, Farrell might consider giving Blair Kinghorn a run-out in the number 15 jersey but why fix what's not broken?

14. Mack Hansen

The 27-yearold missed the first two Tests with a foot injury but has been declared fit to play.

Hansen impressed in the early warm-up games and is a huge favourite of Farrell having been a key figure in Ireland's success over the last few years. James Lowe did not enjoy his best game in Melbourne and it would be no surprise if Hansen were to take his place in Sydney.

13. Huw Jones

With Garry Ringrose ruled out of Saturday's clash in Sydney this is a straightforward selection.

Western Mail

This story is from the July 31, 2025 edition of Western Mail.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Already a subscriber?

MORE STORIES FROM Western Mail

Western Mail

All-rounder Overton puts his red-ball career on hold

ENGLAND all-rounder Jamie Overton has taken himself out of contention for this winter's Ashes series - placing his red-ball career on hold in a move that took even his limited-overs captain Harry Brook by surprise.

time to read

1 min

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

Accused said he was 'guilty as charged' after murder arrest

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a 52-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered in her own home in 2022.

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

Fans survey to help shape future of rugby in Wales

THE Welsh Rugby Union has opened a public survey which gives fans, players and clubs an opportunity to have their say on the future of the professional game in Wales.

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

Western Mail

Bluebirds swoop for Chelsea star

CARDIFF CITY'S transfer deadline day saw the spectacular loan signing of Chelsea teenager Omari Kellyman.

time to read

1 min

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

New laws introduced for Welsh club game this season

STARTING in the 2025/26 season, all Welsh rugby clubs must align with the new rules already in play at the professional level.

time to read

1 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

Welsh rugby gears up for huge month in its history

THE Welsh Rugby Union began a formal consultation process yesterday as it seeks to put in place a radical new structure for the professional game in time for the 2027/28 season at the latest.

time to read

5 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

LED lighting brings a rise in egg production

LED lighting has been linked to an increase of 6.1% in layer production at a Powys free-range egg farm, an uplift worth £27,192 a year to the 16,000-bird business.

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

One change as Donald completes Ryder team

EUROPEAN Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has named Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Viktor Hov-land, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick and Sepp Straka as his selections to complete the team which will defend the trophy in the United States later this month.

time to read

1 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

Depraved paedophile who discussed raping baby jailed for 13 years

DEPRAVED and “dangerous” paedophile who called babies tthe “ultimate sex toys” and discussed raping a baby has been jailed for 13 and a half years.

time to read

2 mins

September 02, 2025

Western Mail

Ramsey reigns as he bags late winner

WALES international Aaron Ramsey bagged a 92nd minute winner for new club Pumas over the weekend.

time to read

1 mins

September 02, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size