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Rob Valetini ruled out of third Test against British and Irish Lions

Australia's flanker Valetini misses the final match due to a precautionary injury decision.

July 31, 2025 at 05:48 AM

British and Irish Lions v Australia: Rob Valetini misses third Test with injury

Australia flanker Rob Valetini misses the final match in Sydney due to injury concerns.

Rob Valetini ruled out of third Test against British and Irish Lions

Australia's flanker Rob Valetini will not play in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions due to a precautionary injury decision. Coach Schmidt explained that Valetini has not fully recovered from an injury that tightened up recently. His position will be taken by the returning Tupou, who adds significant power to the forward pack. Meanwhile, Dylan Pietsch comes in for the injured Harry Potter, while Carlo Tizzano has been overlooked due to the criticism he faced following a controversial incident in the previous match.

Key Takeaways

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Rob Valetini is out due to a precautionary injury decision.

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Tupou returns, adding significant strength to the forward pack.

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Dylan Pietsch will take Harry Potter's position on the wing.

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Carlo Tizzano's exclusion follows backlash from a controversial incident.

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Schmidt emphasizes the importance of player health during a busy schedule.

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Australia aims to avoid a series whitewash against the Lions.

"He's not right this week. It was precautionary bringing him off and it is probably precautionary not playing him this weekend."

Schmidt explains Valetini's absence from the Test match.

"We are hopeful Taniela can bring us a real burst of energy."

Schmidt talks about Tupou's potential impact as he returns to the team.

"He copped a lot of online abuse this week but that's the nature of force."

Schmidt defends Tizzano after the backlash regarding a controversial incident.

"It's a decision we made believing Nic can do the job. Nic has an excellent kicking game."

Schmidt explains his selection choices ahead of the match.

Valetini's absence highlights the increasing strain on athletic players in a demanding schedule. Energy and health are critical for success, especially as teams face tough opponents. The pressure can lead to injuries, affecting not just player morale but the overall team dynamic. Schmidt's decisions reflect a delicate balance between competition and player welfare amidst high-stakes matches. With players under public scrutiny, like Tizzano, support for athletes off the field is crucial.