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ONLY three points have separated the teams from the first two Tests, so watching the British & Irish Lions and the Wallabies have their third and deciding crack at each other in Sydney will be nerve wracking to say the least.
Both teams may be going into the match without their respective captains. Skipper Sam Warburton, probably the best Lion on the pitch in Melbourne, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. James Horwill, who was equally impressive as Captain for the Wallabies, could yet be banned for the final clash.
The Lions must refresh the team if they are to have a chance of taking out the series. This will require some very tough selection calls from the Lions management but Warren Gatland has shown that he is not afraid to make them, following the five changes made for last week.
What the Lions need more than ever is some ‘go forward’ up front so with that in mind and assuming that Alex Corbisiero is fit, Mako Vunipola with the unlucky Tom Youngs should be relegated to the bench to cater for Richard Hibbard alongside Adam Jones.
Geoff Parling was willing but ineffective on Saturday. It may require the Scottish giant Richie Gray to come in alongside Alun Wyn Jones to give the Lions front five some long overdue firepower.
Toby Faletau and Sean O’Brien should come in for their work rate and ball carrying ability now that Sam Warburton is out.
Dan Lydiate did enough in his tireless tackling display to warrant a stint in Sydney where his defensive abilities can complement the charging runs of O’Brien and Faletau.
Both teams have struggled for that cutting edge. There has been a heavy reliance on the incredibly gifted George North and Israel Folau to provide the inspiration.
Even if the Lions can get forty minutes out of Jamie Roberts, he could be the difference between the Lions winning or losing. If he isn’t fit then Manu Tuilagi should be a certainty on the bench or starting. This is grossly unfair on the outstanding Jonathan Davies but getting over the gain line consistently has to be a top priority.
Jonny Sexton and Ben Youngs had quiet games in Melbourne but I would give this duo another chance knowing that a motivated Mike Phillips and Owen Farrell can make a big difference off the bench.
Talking of the bench, this could be the most critical factor to which side wins given that the last two games have gone to the final minute for a result. The Lions have to be adventurous and have options coming on in the final quarter to make a difference, Messrs Tom Youngs, Tom Croft and Manu Tuilagi can fulfil that role.
The Wallabies will be reluctant to make changes to the team which delivered under enormous pressure in Melbourne.
Their hopes will take a crippling blow if James Horwill is indeed ruled out through a ban. If so, they will have to rely on the genius that is Will Genia to cover for Horwill’s missing influence.
James O’Connor did little to persuade the punters that he is a genuine number 10 and if I were Gatland, I would be sending Roberts and/or Tuilagi down his channel.
Christian Lealiifano played well on Saturday especially with his ice-cool place kicking and he will be a pivotal figure in helping O’Connor run the backline.
Adam Ashley-Cooper continues to be a wonderful servant to Australian rugby whether it is making a try saving tackle or turnover. He will be a key ‘go to’ man this coming Saturday.
The Lions have the artillery to beat Australia this weekend. There is a feeling of immense frustration within the camp that the team has not fulfilled anything like the potential they are capable of and that should be sufficient enough motivation for Saturday.
There have to be line breaks in order to make this happen and juggernauts Roberts and Tuilagi hold the key. They are not all crash and bash up the middle either, deft hands from them both in the warm up games has led to some brilliant tries.
There is so much more to come from these two great teams. Many good players are yet realise their full potential. On the biggest rugby stage of their lives this coming Saturday; there are no excuses not to perform.
This is the dream game for the neutral, and a final exciting if exhaustible trial for the fans. As the grand finale to one of the great international rugby series of recent years, there’s every reason to expect another classic to decide it.
Image: Adam Ashley-Cooper celebrates his try during the second Test match between the British and Irish Lions and the Wallabies at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday. (AAP/Mark Dadswell)
[ Source: Australian Times ]