by Wallabies trainer Joe Schmidt insisted on Thursday that the selection of retired Scrum-Half-Nic White was not a sentimental decision for the third British and Irish Lions test, and he sat down on the veterans to gather his “deflatte” team.
White replaces Jake Gordon for his 73rd and last test after announcing his retirement from the international game after the collision in Sydney on Saturday.
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He is one of two changes between the back with Dylan Pietsch for the left wing Harry Potter, who achieved a defeat in Melbourne last weekend in Melbourne in the 29th: 26-second test defeat.
The flanker Rob Valetini was injured in the game and did not injure him after a calves that got him out of the first test defeat in Brisbane from the 27:19 most test test defeat in Brisbane.
It is missing in a further setback for Australia, with the Tighthead Prop Allan Alaalatoa already excluded with a shoulder problem.
Schmidt admitted that it was difficult this week to raise the team.
“Incredibly emptied group,” he said.
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“Tuesday was actually difficult to bring it off the canvas, and today there was a little upswing and we just have to keep this swing.
“Hopefully you can be sharp at Captain’s Run tomorrow and then your way to the test game.”
With the already lost series, Australia plays for pride and desperate to prevent Andy Farrell’s dominant side.
Schmidt informed the reporters that all three of his Scrum-Halves were available for the selection, but White had fought hard to earn his jersey again after being overlooked in the first two tests.
“White has so massively respect in the squad that it seemed to end a suitable opportunity for him,” he said.
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“I am not a sentimentalist. It is a test game and you choose people who are able to play this friendly and we believe that is Nic.
“The prediction (for Saturday) is poor, so Nic’s kick game is another element of it and his experience.”
Tom Hooper comes in for Valetini and connects with Fraser Mcreight and Harry Wilson in the back row, while Taniela Tupou Alaalatoa replaced to pack with colleagues James James Slipper and Hooker David Porecki.
Nick Frost and Will Skelton keep their places as a lock.
The start XV is otherwise unchanged for the last game of the Lions nine game tour.
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White will combine with Tom Lynagh in the halves, with the 22-year-old has another chance to grow in a jersey No. 10.
Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are the midfield pairing for a sixth test in a row, with Max Jorgensen on the other wing and Tom Wright at Fullback.
Australia (15-1):
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch; Tom Lynagh, Nic White; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser Mcreight, Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Taniela Tupou, David Porecki, James Slipper
Replacement: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway.
MP/DH
