Wallabies Face British Lions Third Test Without Valetini

Australia's Wallabies will face the British & Irish Lions in the third and final Test without key flanker Rob Valetini, who is being rested due to a calf strain as part of a long-term fitness management plan by coach Joe Schmidt. Tom Hooper replaces Valetini in the back row, while Taniela Tupou returns to the front row for the injured Allan Alaalatoa, and Dylan Pietsch replaces the sidelined Harry Potter on the wing. Veteran scrumhalf Nic White, who recently announced his retirement, will start his final international match, bringing experience and a strong kicking game crucial for the expected wet conditions. The Wallabies are 2-0 down in the series and are eager to avoid a series whitewash, with Schmidt acknowledging the team's deflation after their last defeat but confident they have regained momentum. The squad has also coped with controversy surrounding Carlo Tizzano's reaction to a collision in the previous match, with Schmidt defending Tizzano's decision to sit out this Test due to injury. Overall, the team is making strategic changes to balance immediate performance needs and player welfare ahead of upcoming Tests against South Africa.