Joe Schmidt has brought Nic White into his starting XV. Alamy Stock Photo

Schmidt's Wallabies make four changes for final Lions Test

Taniela Tupou, Nic White, Tom Hooper, and Dylan Pietsch all start.

WALLABIES BOSS JOE Schmidt has made four changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s third Test against the Lions in Sydney [KO 11am Irish time, Sky Sports].

35-year-old scrum-half Nic White comes into the team for what will be his final Test appearance before retiring from international rugby.

Taniela Tupou starts at tighthead prop in the injury-enforced absence of Allan Alaalatoa, while Tom Hooper comes into the back row after the explosive Rob Valetini was ruled out due to injury.

This will be Tupou’s first appearance in this Lions series, with the powerful prop set to join Racing 92 in France next season. 

The final change to the Wallabies’ XV sees Dylan Pietsch start on the wing after Harry Potter was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Schmidt has opted for a 5/3 bench split, with tighthead prop Zane Nonggorr and wing/fullback Andrew Kellaway coming into the matchday 23.

 Australia (v Lions):

15. Tom Wright
14. Max Jorgensen
13. Joseph-Aukuso 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 (captain)

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

Referee: Nika Amashukeli [GRU]. 

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