Australia vs. British and Irish Lions (3rd Test) Tips and Odds – 02/08/2025

• Date: Saturday, 2 August 2025
• Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia
• Fixture: Australia vs British & Irish Lions – 3rd Test

Match Preview

The third and final Test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions is set for Saturday, 2 August 2025, at the iconic Accor Stadium in Sydney, a venue capable of housing over 80,000 passionate fans. The stakes are immense: the Lions have already clinched the series with back-to-back wins in Brisbane and Melbourne, overcoming the Wallabies 27-19 in the opener and pulling off an extraordinary 29-26 comeback in the second Test thanks to Hugo Keenan’s dramatic last-minute try. Now, the Wallabies are seeking redemption and pride in front of their home crowd, while the Lions hunt a rare series whitewash on Australian soil.

For the British & Irish Lions, this tour has highlighted the depth and resilience of Andy Farrell’s squad. They stormed into Australia off the back of a tour-opening defeat by Argentina but haven’t looked back since, posting victories over all provincial opponents before taking both Tests against the Wallabies. The second Test epitomized their fighting spirit: trailing by 18 points, they surged back to snatch victory with a display of relentless pressure and cool-headed execution. However, preparation for the third Test has been disrupted by injuries: star centre Garry Ringrose has been ruled out due to concussion, with Huw Jones deputizing in midfield. Bundee Aki provides invaluable experience at inside centre, but injuries to wingers Mack Hansen and Darcy Graham, and the continued absence of Duhan van der Merwe, limit Farrell’s options out wide; Blair Kinghorn is drafted in for backline cover and Owen Farrell makes the bench as a wild card utility option.

Australia has endured a harrowing series but pushed the Lions to the limit in both Tests. Under coach Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies matched the tourists for large stretches in Melbourne, with their pack dominating the breakdown and playmakers Carter Gordon and Tom Wright creating several line breaks. Yet, defensive lapses in the dying minutes cost them dearly. The Wallabies are also contending with injury setbacks. Back-row enforcer Rob Valetini and powerhouse lock Will Skelton have both struggled with calf issues during the series build-up, potentially limiting Australia’s physical edge up front. Their fitness for the third Test is highly uncertain, and even if passed fit, they may not be at 100%.

Key Players

Key players to watch include British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje, whose leadership and relentless tackling set the tone for the tourists, and Hugo Keenan, fresh from his heroic try in Melbourne. Jack Crowley has impressed at fly-half with his game management, while Bundee Aki’s ball-carrying has repeatedly breached the gain line. For Australia, Carter Gordon shoulders creative responsibility, while fullback Jordan Petaia’s elusive running remains a threat. If Rob Valetini does return, he will add crucial go-forward among the Wallabies forwards.

Prediction and Betting Markets

Given the context—a buoyant Lions team with the momentum of eight straight wins after their opening tour loss versus a beleaguered but proud Wallabies side—the odds tip in favour of the Lions to complete the sweep. However, expect Australia to throw everything at the visitors, making for an open, high-stakes contest. A close scoreline is likely, but the Lions’ superior bench depth and psychological edge should carry them home for a historic 3-0 series win.

Odds subject to change; please check your chosen bookmaker for the latest prices.