Is Winning All That Matters, or Must the Lions Deliver More in the Final Test?
The Lions’ Unfinished Business in Australia
The British and Irish Lions have already secured the series against the Wallabies, but for Finn Russell and his teammates, the job isn’t done. Standing in the MCG passageway after their Melbourne victory, the Scottish fly-half made it clear: a 2-0 lead isn’t enough. A clean sweep is what they came for—and a clean sweep is what they need to cement their legacy.
For weeks, the Lions have spoken of their ambition to dominate Australia completely. Head coach Andy Farrell hasn’t shied away from this ambition either. “You shouldn’t shy away from shooting for the stars,” he said earlier this week. “If you don’t get there, you’ll at least land on the moon.” His message was clear—this team is not playing just to win; they’re playing to inspire.
Now, with the final Test looming in Sydney, the stakes are even higher. Victory would mark the first time in 51 years that the Lions have won three consecutive Tests on tour. But the players know that winning alone isn’t enough—they need a performance worthy of Lions history.
The Challenge of Chasing Perfection
Despite their unbeaten run, the Lions admit they haven’t yet hit their peak. Captain Maro Itoje put it plainly: “The first two wins have been great, but we still haven’t put together the complete performance we know we can.” Ireland’s Jack Conan echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while the Lions found a way to win in Melbourne, they were far from their best.
There’s an undeniable sense that this squad has the potential to be something special. With world-class talent across the board, a fully firing Lions side could turn their third Test into a masterclass. The Wallabies, missing key players like the injured Rob Valetini, may struggle to contain them if the Lions finally click.
But even a dominant win in Sydney would prompt a lingering question: How great could this Lions team really have been against stronger opposition?
Legacy and the Shadow of Past Greatness
Lions tours are measured against the legendary sides of 1971, 1974, and 1997. Ben Earl has already set his sights on joining that pantheon, but greatness demands great challenges—something this tour has lacked. The Wallabies, while competitive, have not been at their strongest, raising doubts about how history will judge this Lions team.
Meanwhile, Australia is grappling with their own struggles. Joe Schmidt has spent the week dissecting Jac Morgan’s controversial clearout with scientific precision, but the Wallabies’ bigger problem is regaining focus. Hugo Keenan’s late try in the second Test seems to have broken their spirit, and with Valetini absent, their task in Sydney looks even tougher.
The Farrell Factor
Andy Farrell’s influence on this squad cannot be overstated. Players speak of him with deep respect—his intensity, his relentless standards, and his ability to unite a group drawn from four different nations. Huw Jones, set for his third straight start, summed it up: “He sees everything. His standards are so high. He doesn’t need to try to be intimidating—he just is.”
Farrell himself refuses to look too far ahead. When asked about potentially coaching the Lions again in 2029, he laughed it off—first, there’s a game to win. But his passion for the Lions is unmistakable, and securing a 3-0 series win would be a crowning achievement in an already illustrious career.
The Final Test: More Than Just a Victory
For the Lions, Saturday’s match is about more than just maintaining their perfect record. It’s about proving they can deliver a performance worthy of the famous red jersey. Winning all three Tests would be historic, but dominating in style would ensure this team is remembered as something even greater.
As the final whistle blows in Sydney, the Lions will hope to leave no doubt—not just about the scoreline, but about their place in rugby history.
Coverage: Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app, post-match analysis on BBC iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, and the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
