It’s not every day a rugby team finds itself on the verge of something truly historic.
But that’s exactly where Andy Farrell and his British & Irish Lions find themselves right now.
With two impressive wins already in the bag, Saturday’s third and final Test against Australia isn’t just about tying a ribbon on the series — it’s a shot at making history.
Sure, some might call it a “dead rubber” since the series is technically already won. But for Farrell’s Lions, this isn’t just another game.
It’s a golden chance to complete a whitewash — something that hasn’t happened in the professional era and not at all since way back in 1927.
Why This Third Test Really Matters
A clean sweep would put this team in elite company.
The last time a Lions side went unbeaten on tour was in 1974 — the legendary ‘Invincibles’ led by Willie John McBride in South Africa.
This group now has the opportunity to carve their own place into Lions folklore.
And there’s no doubt that the weight of that legacy will be driving the players on — especially captain Maro Itoje, the wider squad, and Farrell himself. They know exactly what’s at stake.
But it’s worth acknowledging that comparing different Lions tours is always tricky — the quality of opposition and context varies so much.
Australia Haven’t Been at Their Best — But That Doesn’t Diminish the Lions
This year’s Australian side hasn’t been the strongest the Lions have faced, and that’s just the reality. Still, that’s out of the Lions’ control.
What they have done is respond with real grit and class, most notably coming from 18 points down in Melbourne to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.
That kind of resilience will be talked about for years to come.
Farrell’s Coaching Credentials Go Through the Roof
Andy Farrell’s reputation was already high — but this summer has taken it up another notch.
If the Lions go 3-0, it could cement him as the standout coaching figure in Northern Hemisphere rugby.
And looking ahead, Farrell seems a clear frontrunner to lead the Lions again on their next tour to New Zealand in 2029.
With his current contract keeping him with Ireland through the 2027 World Cup, Farrell remains firmly in the mix.
There’s no reason he couldn’t step up again for the next big challenge.
Sticking to His Principles with Third Test Selections
One of the things that stands out most about Farrell is that he hasn’t used this final game as an excuse to experiment or hand out Test caps lightly.
He’s made only two changes — James Ryan and Blair Kinghorn come into the side — and both of those moves are driven by necessity rather than novelty.
This consistency in selection shows just how seriously he’s taking this final Test.
The Lions jersey still means something, and Farrell has stayed true to that.
Australia Might Struggle to Find the Same Fire
The Lions will be bursting with motivation heading into this game — they’ve got a huge prize on the line.
But can the same be said for Australia? After throwing everything at the second Test and still falling short, you have to wonder how much gas they’ve got left in the tank.
That kind of emotional letdown is hard to bounce back from, especially when your opponent is chasing glory.
Expect a Tight First Hour and a Roaring Lions Finish
Saturday’s Test in Sydney is likely to be tight and intense early on.
But as the game wears on, the Lions’ quality and drive may just push them clear.
If they do seal the win and make it 3-0, it’ll be a moment worth celebrating — a proper party to honour a team that’s done something truly special.
They’ll deserve every bit of it.