The British and Irish Lions face Australia in the final match of their summer series, seeking a clean sweep after winning the first two Tests. The Lions currently hold a commanding 2-0 series lead, having narrowly triumphed in a thrilling second Test that showcased a marked improvement from the Australian side. The third Test, scheduled for July 8, 2023, at Accor Stadium in Sydney, promises to be a compelling showdown as both teams aim to assert their dominance.
Sky Sports analysts have shared their predictions for the much-anticipated match, which kicks off at 11:00 (local time), with coverage beginning at 09:30. Analysts Dan Biggar, Will Greenwood, John Barclay, and Ronan O’Gara have weighed in on what they expect from the final encounter of the series.
Predictions from Sky Sports Analysts
Dan Biggar emphasized the challenge facing the Wallabies, noting the difficulty of maintaining their impressive performance from the previous Test. He stated, “The key area will be can the Wallabies get up to anywhere near that level again? Physically and emotionally, it’s going to be so hard to do so.” Biggar highlighted the Lions’ bench strength, which he believes will play a pivotal role in the game. He remarked, “The 6-2 bench split for the Lions is quite a big one… I expect it to be tight but the bench will help the Lions pull away a little bit in the last 15/20 minutes.”
Will Greenwood expressed confidence in the Lions’ lineup, calling the selection by coach Andy Farrell “utterly ruthless.” He added, “If Australia don’t start well, I reckon the Lions will win easily.” Greenwood predicts a score of 29-17 in favor of the Lions, although he acknowledged that weather conditions might influence the game.
John Barclay recognized the quality of the Australian team but believes the Lions have the potential to perform better. He noted, “Australia let that big of a lead slip and scored only three points in the remaining 50 minutes of the game.” Barclay asserted that the Lions’ ceiling for performance remains higher than that of the Wallabies, stating, “The Lions have picked their strongest side… there’s a chance to make history with a series whitewash.”
Ronan O’Gara highlighted the competitive spirit of the Australian side, suggesting that there is still enough merit in their game to pose a challenge. He acknowledged, “There’s enough there to build a performance which could potentially be a winning performance if the Lions are a little bit off.” O’Gara emphasized the importance of motivation, stating, “These guys have a heart and a soul… They do not want to be in that category of being nilled.”
As the final Test approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series. Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports, as the Lions aim to secure a historic victory against their Australian rivals.
