GARRY RINGROSE HAS been ruled out of the Lions’ third Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday due to concussion.
The Ireland centre missed the first Test after suffering a head injury during a warm-up game against the Brumbies, but he was set to start last weekend’s second Test after coming through a 12-day return-to-play protocol.
However, Ringrose had to withdraw from last weekend’s series-clinching win over the Wallabies after experiencing further concussion symptoms and the Lions have now confirmed he has been ruled out of the third clash this weekend, having entered a new 12-day protocol.
In better news, Ireland’s Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy, as well as Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu, are back in the selection mix after overcoming injuries.
Hansen has missed both Tests so far due to a foot injury, with McCarthy missing the second Test with a foot issue.
Tuipulotu started the first Test but missed out on selection for the second and subsequently had a hamstring issue.
“For this time of tour, it’s amazing how many people we’ve got available,” said assistant coach Andrew Goodman today after the Lions trained at Shore School in Sydney.
“Unfortunately, Garry has been ruled out of this Test match, but we have Mack, Joe, and Sione all out there running today, so they’re in contention.”
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It’s a brutal blow for Ringrose, whose excellent performances meant he was in line to be the starting outside centre in the Tests.
The Ireland international narrowly missed out on Lions squad selection in 2017 and 2021, only adding to the sense of frustration now.
Ringrose has missed all three Test due to concussion. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
“He’s disappointed, as you can imagine,” said Goodman. “Garry was playing some amazing rugby through this tour and someone you know who it’s been a dream of his for so long to represent the Lions, and he’s managed to do that.
“But he wanted to be a Test match Lion, so it’s been devastating for him.
“To his credit, he’s been good around the group. As you can imagine, anyone that knows Garry, he’s a great lad and a team man so the boys have all been disappointed for him.
“Obviously, he’s disappointed for himself but he’s getting around everyone and making sure he helps prepare everyone as much as he can. He’s a real leader for us in terms of our backline in particular, so he’s been great.”
While Ringrose deals with his disappointment in stoic fashion, there must be excitement for his Ireland team-mates McCarthy and Hansen at being back in the mix after their foot injuries.
Both had to complete some rehab today but also “got through the team bits they needed to,” according to Goodman.
McCarthy will hope to get his Test cap this weekend, while Hansen will be hoping for his Lions Test debut in his native Australia.
“I think everyone was impressed with Mack’s efforts off the ball through the opportunities he’s had, work rate, kick chase, scramble defence, he works really well off his wing to make an extra number on the long edges,” said Goodman.
“He communicates very well and I think all of the inside backs appreciate his composure off the ball and the chat he gives. It’s been a big strength of his, his work off the ball but also his composure and the way he sees the game.
“He grew up playing a lot of 10 so he’s really smart around what he sees and making the right calls off the back of that.”
The Lions trained at Shore School in Sydney today. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
After a couple of days off celebrating their series success, the Lions got back to work today at Shore School.
The Lions coaches will meet this evening at their team hotel to finalise selection for this final Test, with plenty to weigh up.
Head coach Andy Farrell will hope for a balance between the momentum of a winning team and the freshness that new faces might bring.
“Faz always challenges us around each selection,” said Goodman. “There’s some great competition, guys who haven’t played Test matches and would die for the opportunity to do so.
“We’ve got to do what’s best for the squad and the 23. Cohesion versus freshness. It’s going to be a long process, as it always is, when we sit down after dinner to have a good chat.”
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Ringrose ruled out of last Test but Hansen and McCarthy return
GARRY RINGROSE HAS been ruled out of the Lions’ third Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday due to concussion.
The Ireland centre missed the first Test after suffering a head injury during a warm-up game against the Brumbies, but he was set to start last weekend’s second Test after coming through a 12-day return-to-play protocol.
However, Ringrose had to withdraw from last weekend’s series-clinching win over the Wallabies after experiencing further concussion symptoms and the Lions have now confirmed he has been ruled out of the third clash this weekend, having entered a new 12-day protocol.
In better news, Ireland’s Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy, as well as Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu, are back in the selection mix after overcoming injuries.
Hansen has missed both Tests so far due to a foot injury, with McCarthy missing the second Test with a foot issue.
Tuipulotu started the first Test but missed out on selection for the second and subsequently had a hamstring issue.
“For this time of tour, it’s amazing how many people we’ve got available,” said assistant coach Andrew Goodman today after the Lions trained at Shore School in Sydney.
“Unfortunately, Garry has been ruled out of this Test match, but we have Mack, Joe, and Sione all out there running today, so they’re in contention.”
It’s a brutal blow for Ringrose, whose excellent performances meant he was in line to be the starting outside centre in the Tests.
The Ireland international narrowly missed out on Lions squad selection in 2017 and 2021, only adding to the sense of frustration now.
“He’s disappointed, as you can imagine,” said Goodman. “Garry was playing some amazing rugby through this tour and someone you know who it’s been a dream of his for so long to represent the Lions, and he’s managed to do that.
“But he wanted to be a Test match Lion, so it’s been devastating for him.
“To his credit, he’s been good around the group. As you can imagine, anyone that knows Garry, he’s a great lad and a team man so the boys have all been disappointed for him.
“Obviously, he’s disappointed for himself but he’s getting around everyone and making sure he helps prepare everyone as much as he can. He’s a real leader for us in terms of our backline in particular, so he’s been great.”
While Ringrose deals with his disappointment in stoic fashion, there must be excitement for his Ireland team-mates McCarthy and Hansen at being back in the mix after their foot injuries.
Both had to complete some rehab today but also “got through the team bits they needed to,” according to Goodman.
McCarthy will hope to get his Test cap this weekend, while Hansen will be hoping for his Lions Test debut in his native Australia.
“I think everyone was impressed with Mack’s efforts off the ball through the opportunities he’s had, work rate, kick chase, scramble defence, he works really well off his wing to make an extra number on the long edges,” said Goodman.
“He communicates very well and I think all of the inside backs appreciate his composure off the ball and the chat he gives. It’s been a big strength of his, his work off the ball but also his composure and the way he sees the game.
“He grew up playing a lot of 10 so he’s really smart around what he sees and making the right calls off the back of that.”
After a couple of days off celebrating their series success, the Lions got back to work today at Shore School.
The Lions coaches will meet this evening at their team hotel to finalise selection for this final Test, with plenty to weigh up.
Head coach Andy Farrell will hope for a balance between the momentum of a winning team and the freshness that new faces might bring.
“Faz always challenges us around each selection,” said Goodman. “There’s some great competition, guys who haven’t played Test matches and would die for the opportunity to do so.
“We’ve got to do what’s best for the squad and the 23. Cohesion versus freshness. It’s going to be a long process, as it always is, when we sit down after dinner to have a good chat.”
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