Australia vs. British and Irish Lions Tips and Odds – 02/08/2025

• Fixture: Australia vs British & Irish Lions – 3rd Test, 2025 Lions Tour
• Date: Saturday, 2 August 2025
• Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Match Preview

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour arrives at a thrilling climax this Saturday as the Lions look to secure a historic 3-0 series whitewash over Australia at Sydney’s colossal Accor Stadium. The visitors command an unassailable 2-0 series lead, following a ferocious comeback victory in Melbourne (29-26) and an authoritative 27-19 win in Brisbane. The Wallabies, now playing for pride and redemption in front of over 80,000 home fans, hope to salvage the final Test and avoid a dreaded whitewash.

Australia’s campaign has been marked by flashes of brilliance and a physical revival, especially with the return of influential forwards like Will Skelton. In the second Test, the Wallabies stormed to a 23-5 lead, only to see a resilient Lions side claw back, with Hugo Keenan scoring a dramatic last-gasp try to steal the win. However, injuries have disrupted their plans: experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa is ruled out due to a shoulder injury, and winger Harry Potter is expected to miss the decider with a hamstring problem. Newcomer Aidan Ross could feature at tighthead prop, while fringe options like Taniela Tupou and Zane Nonggorr may get their chance from the bench.

The Lions, under Andy Farrell’s stewardship, have made history assured by clinching the series in Melbourne, but they eye a rare 3-0 clean sweep – an achievement not seen since 1974’s tour of South Africa. Farrell faces his share of headaches with injuries as well. Centre Garry Ringrose has been ruled out, still sidelined by concussion symptoms sustained against the Brumbies, denying him a long-awaited Test cap. On the positive side, key absentees from the second Test, like Joe McCarthy, Sione Tuipulotu, and Mack Hansen, are fit again and eager to contribute at Accor Stadium. Captain Maro Itoje has battled a tender hamstring, but is expected to marshal his men in pursuit of greatness.

Recent weeks have been a roller-coaster for both squads. The Wallabies looked invigorated in the Melbourne Test but ultimately suffered heartbreak, while the Lions have shown grit, determination, and a flair for late drama. Both sides are carrying niggles—Tom Curry, for example, is soldiering on with a wrist injury that will require surgery post-tour, and the loss of Ringrose is a blow to the Lions’ midfield cohesion. The question remains: can Australia rally on home soil, or will the Lions cement a tour for the ages?

Key Players to Watch

• Australia:
  • Will Skelton: A cornerstone in the engine room, his leadership and power are pivotal.
  • Harry Wilson: The talismanic No.8 has been among the Wallabies’ most consistent performers.
  • Tom Wright: The electric fullback can turn the tide with counter-attacking brilliance.
• Lions:
  • Hugo Keenan: Match-winner in Melbourne, a reliable presence in the backfield.
  • Finn Russell: The maverick fly-half pulls the strings for the backline, capable of producing match-defining moments.
  • Maro Itoje: The inspirational skipper leads by example and dominates the breakdown.

Prediction

Despite home advantage and passionate support, Australia come into this Test on the back foot – hit by key injuries and deflated by two agonizing losses. The Lions, brimming with momentum and chasing history, have shown resilience and squad depth. Expect a spirited Australian performance, but the Lions’ belief and superior cohesion should seal a narrow victory, completing a memorable 3-0 sweep in Sydney.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are for illustrative purposes and may change. Always gamble responsibly.

Expect ferocity, drama, and the chance to witness rugby history as the Lions chase immortality in Sydney.