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Lions team announced for final Test against Wallabies

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland attend a news conference. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
3rd July, 2013
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British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has made six changes for the must win third Test at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

Alun Wyn Jones replaces the injured Sam Warburton and will captain the side.

Gatland’s biggest surprise is the dropping of Irish star Brian O’Driscoll from the 23-man lineup.

O’Driscoll was one of five Lions pushed to the bench of axed completely from the starting XV that lost 16-15 to the Wallabies in the second Test. Jamie Roberts replaces O’Driscoll.

Brian O’Driscoll is a great player and has had a wonderful career but for the final Test in Sydney we just felt Jamie Roberts’ presence offered us something more,” Gatland said.

“It’s the first time any coach has ever had that decision with him in 15 years of rugby so it’s not easy for that to be the first time.

“But he’s still going to be important for us for the next 72 hours in terms of his experience and leadership.

“Jamie’s back fit and that’s where Jamie’s been given the nod in terms of that partnership with Jon Davies in the midfield.”

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“It was tough but but we’ve come up with what we think is a side that’s good enough to do the job on Saturday.”

Irishman Sean O’Brien has replaced Warburton at openside flanker.

Welsh halfback Mike Phillips has replaced Ben Youngs, while compatriots Richard Hibbard and Toby Faletau have also been promoted, along with prop Alex Corbisiero.

Youngs and No.8 Jamie Heaslip has been dropped while flanker Justin Tipuric, lock Richie Gray and English centre Manu Tuilagi will make their Lions Test debuts from the bench.

Ten Welsh players will start for the Lions.

Asked what Wyn Jones would say to Horwill when he shook his hand on Saturday, Wyn Jones replied: “Congratulations”.

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British & Irish Lions versus Wallabies, July 6, Sydney

1. Alex Corbisiero (London Irish/England)
2. Richard Hibbard (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales, capt)
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers/England)
6. Dan Lydiate (Dragons/Wales)
7. Sean O’Brien (Leinster/Ireland)
8. Tangaki Taulupe Faletau (Dragons/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Bayonne/Wales)
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/Ireland)
11. George North (Scarlets/Wales)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ulster/Ireland)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
Replacements
16. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers/England)
17. Makovina Vunipola (Saracens/England)
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers/England)
19. Richie Gray (Scotland)
20. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys/Wales)
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Ireland)
22. Owen Farrell (Saracens/England)
23. Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers/England)

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