Australia are missing star forward Rob Valetini as they look to salvage some pride against the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday.
Valetini lasted 40 minutes in his comeback from a calf injury in the 29-26 loss at Melbourne Cricket Ground which sealed a series defeat and has not recovered in time for the Wallabies’ bid to avoid a whitewash.
Will Skelton continues in the second row after also returning from a calf issue in the second Test, however, while prop Taniela Tupou make his first appearance for Australia of 2025 as a replacement for the injured Allan Alaalatoa.
Nic White starts at scrum-half in what will be his 73rd and final appearance for the Wallabies having just announced his retirement from the international game.
“The squad was certainly deflated after the gut-wrenching end to the second Test, but they have started to gather momentum in the back half of the week and will be ready to go again,” head coach Joe Schmidt said.
“The support in Brisbane and Melbourne helped to lift the squad and 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 (@wallabies) July 31, 2025
Australia team to face Lions in 3rd Test
Forwards: 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (Captain)
Backs: 9 Nic White, 10 Tom Lynagh, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen, 15 Tom Wright
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway