Australia will field a near-identical line-up for the final Ashes Test at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds on Saturday, with Isaah Yeo returning to captain the side as the Kangaroos chase a clean sweep of the 2025 series.
Yeo, who missed the second Test due to HIA protocols, has been passed fit and will replace Lindsay Smith in the 17. The Kangaroos sealed the series last weekend with a hard-fought 14-4 win over England at Hill Dickinson Stadium, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Head Coach Kevin Walters said the decision to retain the same playing group was about rewarding consistency and effort across the tour.
“We’ve had to work exceptionally hard in challenging conditions to win the opening two Tests,” Walters said.
“While we’d like to reward the extended squad for their outstanding efforts, we feel the players who have got the job done deserve to play in Leeds. The group has had a few days to freshen up, and we’ve trained well ahead of what is a very important Test match for both sides.”
The Australians have already reclaimed the Ashes trophy following their dominant 26-6 win in the opener at Wembley and a gritty performance in Liverpool, but Walters is urging his side to finish the tour strongly.
Kangaroos Team – Third Ashes Test
1. Reece Walsh
2. Mark Nawaqanitawase
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Angus Crichton
12. Hudson Young
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
Interchange: 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi
Reserves: 18. Bradman Best, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Mitchell Moses
Australia leads the Ashes series 2-0 and can complete a rare whitewash over England with victory in Leeds.
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- Harry Grant captains Kangaroos to Liverpool win
