'He’s grown': Andy Farrell explains selection calls for third Test

British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has explained exactly why he has decided to promote both Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan to his starting side for the final Test of the series in Sydney.

The pair will make their first starts of the series against Australia, with Farrell otherwise sticking with his trusted Test core as the tourists eye a 3-0 whitewash.

Kinghorn replaces James Lowe on the left wing for Saturday’s series finale at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, while Ryan comes in for Ollie Chessum in the second row. Chessum drops to the bench as Farrell opts for a 6-2 split between forwards and backs, with Ben Earl returning to cover the back row after missing the second Test.

The starting XV features nine Ireland players, three Scots and three Englishmen, with Maro Itoje once again captaining the Lions as they aim to become the first team since 1974 to complete an unbeaten tour.

Farrell says Ryan has earned his start on merit after impressing off the bench throughout the series.

Fixture

British & Irish Lions

Australia

22 - 12

Full-time

British & Irish Lions

All Stats and Data

“Yeah, we think that James thoroughly deserves his start. I think he’s grown throughout this tour. His physicality when he’s come off the bench and certainly when he’s put the jersey on over the last three or four weeks has been there for all to see. So we think he’s the right person to start this Test.”

The Lions coach explained that Kinghorn’s athleticism and flair were key to his selection for the decider.

“And similarly for Blair… we thought that, he’s obviously a great athlete, but the unpredictability of his game as well makes him very dangerous. With the conditions we’re expecting, the aerial game will be at a premium. So I think this game suits him as well.”

The Lions sealed the series with last weekend’s 29-26 win in Melbourne but Farrell has made it clear the goal is now to rout the Wallabies and write a new chapter in the tourists’ history.

The Wigan-man has also opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, although he remained cagey on his thought process behind it.

“We think that’s [a 6-2 split] what’s best for our group and the game that lies ahead, for how we want to play it and how we want to combat Australia’s game as well.”