Action Tag Rugby

Saturday kick off at 12.00

🏉 Match Details & Stakes

The Lions currently lead the series 2–0, with wins in Brisbane and Melbourne.

They are aiming for a historic 3–0 series whitewash — their first on an all-Australian tour since 1904, and their first unbeaten Australian tour since 1927.

If successful, this would mark their first-ever series whitewash on Australian soil.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Selections & Lineup

Lions

Andy Farrell has made only two changes to the side that beat Australia in the second Test.

Blair Kinghorn replaces James Lowe on the wing for greater attacking and aerial impact in the expected wet conditions.

James Ryan comes into the second row in place of the injured Ollie Chessum.

Tadhg Furlong will make his ninth consecutive Lions Test appearance, equaling club legends like Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje.

Australia

Coach Joe Schmidt has made four changes, three of which are due to injury.

Nic White takes the scrum-half position in what will be his final international match, noted for his tactical kicking.

Other changes include Dylan Pietsch, Taniela Tupou, and Tom Hooper.

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⚽ The Narrative

After a tense 29–26 comeback win in Melbourne—sealed by a dramatic late try from Hugo Keenan—the Lions secured the series.

Despite the outcome being decided, the match remains emotionally charged. The Wallabies are playing for pride, while the Lions aim to cement a historic tour finale.

The 3 Carrots are showing the game, so take the opportunity to watch the Lions, will not be happening for another 4 years.

Happy Halloween and Happy Diwali, as well as a day of celebration and intrigue, it is the prequel to another day of intrigue and in my case celebration at the start of the Autumn Internationals.
As you can see from the picture, November is going to be a month full of rugby and with that comes the highs and lows, exasperation and exhilaration, endeavor and endurance on and off the field 😁
It has been a year since South Africa won the World Cup and they are back in the Northern Hemisphere again to see if they can continue their good results, but once again they come into November as second in the world to Ireland.
That particular question will be answered in a few weeks, but this Saturday we kick off with England VS New Zealand, in the last 4 meetings the average win has been by 3 points and the last time that New Zealand played at Twickers (I am not there yet with Allianz Stadium).. With a last gasp draw!!.

Saturday has everything you need for a celebration of rugby, with both teams blooding new players along with many exciting one on one battles in both the forwards and the backs.

I will be at the 3 Carrots pub to watch the match and I would say if you are looking for something to add pep to your Saturday then this is for you.
It doesn't matter if you have not seen a game before, there are a number of people who will happily let you know what is going on 😁, especially me 😂

Kick off is 16.05 but get there early and get the best seats in the house

Well the fun keeps coming!!! On Saturday after Wales vs Ireland we have the Calcutta Cup.
England vs Scotland brings with it the added incentive of winning the oldest rugby cup in existence.
Both sides have made changes but England have certainly made more than most, including their coach, out goes Eddie Jones (straight into the Australian job) and in comes Steve Borthwick who is inexperienced in 6 Nations rugby but has experience with Japan and Leicester. On the playing front he has made some bold decisions, Saturday will show if these players are ready.
Scotland have their own decisions, after the Autumn Internationals, Finn Russell has cemented his place at 10 but the relationship with Gregor Townsend is a rocky one and you cannot help but think that Gregor is looking to replace him, but right now the 2 people pushing are injured or recovering from injury.
I am very excited to see a couple of battles, at 9 and on the wing. Both 9’s are inexperienced but bring with them a fearless nature and an attacking one as well.
On the wing we have the opposite, in Van Der Merwe ,Scotland have a try scorer that is proven and in Hassell-Collins England have a winger making his international debut, he has pace to burn, which England have lacked in recent times, but he is completely untested and is being thrown in the deep end.. Saturday will show if he will sink or swim
Join me on Saturday to find out

The first game of this year's 6 Nations is Wales vs Ireland at 15.15
This is Wales first opportunity to banish a poor 2022, Many an English supporter is very thankful because it took the spotlight off them, if only a little!!
Wales have a new (old) manager in the returning Warren Gatland, who was a proven track record of getting the best out of the team and winning 6 Nations and Grand Slams. However he inherits a side low on confidence and direction. The returning Leigh Halfpenny at full back will bring experience and a big boot to the team, Dan Biggar control and Alun Wyn Jones (most capped player in Men's International Rugby) returns to the tight five, will all be looking to change that and give Warren a winning start.
Standing in their way is Ireland, World Number 1 ranked side. They are almost polar opposite to Wales, they have a settled side, with recognised strength in depth should a player need to be changed. This along with good coaches makes them joint favourites to win the 6 Nations. They are Big Favourites to win this game, since they have not released their team yet I cannot highlight any interesting battles but I can say that Johnny Sexton has a point to prove to Warren Gatland after being dropped by the Lions when he was coach
Either way, you cannot go wrong by joining us at the 3 Carrots to watch this battle and see if the Gatland effect can work again

See you there 😁

First game of the Autumn Nations tour.