With the series already decided, pride is all that remains on the line for Australia, while the British & Irish Lions are aiming to make history by completing an unbeaten tour for the first time ever.
In this preview, we take a look at the third and final Test from a betting perspective and offer a few suggested wagers. The match is set to take place at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, 2nd August.
Second Test Recap
The second Test was one for the ages. Played in front of a crowd of 90,000, both sides delivered exceptional performances in a fiercely contested match. Australia surged ahead to a 23–5 lead, but the Lions hit back with two tries before half-time to narrow the gap to 23–17. The Wallabies extended their lead with a penalty early in the second half, but the Lions responded with two more tries — the final one coming on the last play of the game — to snatch a dramatic 29–26 victory and seal the series.
Australia
Australia will be bitterly disappointed with the result but will be eager to restore some pride on home soil. They have now won just one of their last five matches, that lone victory coming against Fiji in a pre-series warm-up. Head coach Joe Schmidt has been forced to make several changes due to injuries, with key players like Rob Valetini unavailable for selection. The Wallabies will be hoping for a strong response as they aim to avoid a 3–0 series whitewash.
Starting Lineup
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Nic White; 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (c).
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.
British & Irish Lions
The Lions are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak and will be aiming to complete a perfect tour with a ninth consecutive victory. They’ve averaged 36 points per game across the tour while conceding just 17, underlining their dominance on both sides of the ball. In the two Tests against Australia, they posted 29 and 24 points respectively, while conceding 26 and 19. Head coach Andy Farrell has opted for consistency in selection, naming a side with only three changes from last weekend’s successful outing.
Starting Lineup
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Blair Kinghorn, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Owen Farrell
Betting and Verdict
The British & Irish Lions enter the final Test as clear favourites, priced at 1.33 for the win, while Australia are underdogs at 4.00. The draw is a long shot at 31.00.
Handicap: Australia [+7.5] at 1.95
For the second consecutive week, the final margin has been within eight points, and with Australia playing for pride, they are expected to come out firing. Given the competitive nature of the first two Tests, another closely contested match is on the cards.
Suggested Bet: Australia [+7.5] at 1.95
The last two Tests have both produced 46 points or more, and with the series already wrapped up, both teams may look to play with more freedom and throw the ball around. While the forecast suggests challenging weather conditions, the current total points line of 41.5 still looks a touch low given the attacking intent expected.
Suggested Bet: Total Points – Over 41.5 at 1.90
Back the Bulls to win any of their games in 80 Mins and get 5% of your stake back as a Free Bet for every Try they score!
Important Details:
Pre-Match events only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000.
Valid for bets taken before the start of each Bulls game
How to Claim:
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Bulls Try Promo’ to claim your voucher
Click here for all Australia v British and Irish Lions Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
