Andy Farrell is set to shake things up ahead of the series-deciding Third Test against Australia, with a number of fringe players in line for a shot at Lions glory. <\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n The British & Irish Lions boss will name his matchday 23 early Thursday morning (UK & Ireland time), and with key players returning from injury \u2014 and others nursing fresh knocks \u2014 changes are firmly on the cards following the nail-biting 29-26 win in Melbourne.<\/p>\n One man who won\u2019t feature in Sydney is Garry Ringrose. The Lions have confirmed the Ireland centre is out of the tour finale after failing to recover from concussion. <\/p>\n Having already missed the first two Tests with separate head injuries, Ringrose has now entered a fresh 12-day return-to-play protocol, as per World Rugby guidelines.<\/p>\n The Times\u00a0is reporting<\/a>\u00a0that McCarthy and Blair Kinghorn could both come into the starting XV, with Ben Earl part of a 6-2 bench split.<\/p>\n PREDICTED LIONS TEAM<\/p>\n 15. Hugo Keenan 1. Ellis Genge REPLACEMENTS:\u00a0R\u00f3nan Kellheher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman.<\/p>\n Andy Farrell is expected to name his Lions team around 7:30am [UK time] on Thursday.<\/p>\n Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group<\/p>\n he tournament\u2019s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of the\u00a0predicted groups\u00a0and\u00a0team bios\u00a0for the RWC 2027:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6\u00a0Group A<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Argentina\u00a0\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7 Samoa\u00a0\ud83c\uddfc\ud83c\uddf8 Tonga\u00a0\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf4 \ud83c\udf0d\u00a0Group B<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddff Scotland\u00a0\ud83c\udff4 Japan\u00a0\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Chile\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf1 CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
14. Mack Hansen
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Blair Kinghorn
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park<\/p>\n
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Jac Morgan
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan<\/p>\n
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.<\/p>\n
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they\u2019re known for big-game upsets.<\/p>\n
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa\u2019s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Ikale Tahi\u2019 bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.<\/p>\n
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction\u2014three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.<\/p>\n
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.<\/p>\n
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.<\/p>\n
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.<\/p>\n