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The Wallabies signed off from the 2025 Lions Series with a gritty 22–12 win in Sydney, snapping the tourists’ hopes of a clean sweep. It wasn’t pretty, thanks largely to a wild Sydney storm that caused a half-hour delay, but it was tough, physical, and full of heart. In weather better suited to deep-sea fishing, the Aussies finally found their edge. Here’s how they rated. 1. James Slipper – 6.5/10 The veteran loosehead was far more resilient this time around, playing a key part in a much-improved Wallabies scrum. He didn't have as many moments in open play as we've seen from him before, but his core job at the set-piece was handled with impressive effectiveness, giving the team a more solid platform than in earlier matches.
The Wallabies signed off from the 2025 Lions Series with a gritty 22–12 win in Sydney, snapping the tourists’ hopes of a clean sweep. It wasn’t pretty, thanks largely to a wild Sydney storm that caused a half-hour delay, but it was tough, physical, and full of heart. In weather better suited to deep-sea fishing, the Aussies finally found their edge. Here’s how they rated.
1. James Slipper – 6.5/10 The veteran loosehead was far more resilient this time around, playing a key part in a much-improved Wallabies scrum. He didn't have as many moments in open play as we've seen from him before, but his core job at the set-piece was handled with impressive effectiveness, giving the team a more solid platform than in earlier matches.
2. Billy Pollard – 6/10 Stepping into the starting hooker spot, Pollard had a mixed but ultimately solid outing in the challenging conditions. There was an early lineout wobble, but he quickly bounced back, delivering accurate throws and making his presence felt around the breakdown with an important penalty turnover.
3. Taniela Tupou – 7.5/10 The "Tongan Thor" made a thunderous return to the starting lineup, immediately making his mark in the scrum where he simply overpowered his opposite number, Andrew Porter. His powerful carries were also evident, giving the Wallabies some much-needed go-forward momentum.
4. Nick Frost – 8/10 A standout performer in the Wallabies' engine room, Frost was instrumental in turning the lineout into a reliable source of possession. His tireless work rate all over the field, including impactful clear-outs and strong carries, contributed hugely to both the Wallabies' defensive and attacking efforts.
5. Will Skelton – 8/10 Skelton was an undeniable force, both physically and mentally, playing a pivotal role in unsettling the Lions and setting an aggressive tone for the Wallabies. His sheer size and abrasive style really got under the Lions' skin, disrupting their flow and making crucial defensive plays.
6. Tom Hooper – 8/10 Making his first start of the series, Hooper delivered an immense performance, leading the Wallabies in carries and showing relentless intensity in both attack and defence. He consistently took the fight to the Lions, winning a crucial breakdown penalty and tackling ferociously.
7. Fraser McReight – 6.5/10 McReight was a constant nuisance at the breakdown, winning multiple turnovers and disrupting Lions' ball with his relentless pressure. He topped the Wallabies' tackle count, highlighting his tireless defensive work and his knack for being everywhere in open play.
8. Harry Wilson – 6/10 As captain, Wilson led with heart and immense effort, constantly carrying the ball and getting stuck into the tight exchanges. While his work rate was unquestionable, a few individual errors, including some dropped kick-offs, slightly marred an otherwise tireless performance.
9. Nic White – 9/10 In what was hailed as a potential farewell Test, White delivered a masterclass at scrum-half. He dictated the tempo, kicked beautifully out of hand, and provided excellent service. His vocal leadership and knack for getting under the opposition's skin were also pivotal to the Wallabies' gritty display.
10. Tom Lynagh – 5/10 The young fly-half showed remarkable composure, guiding the Wallabies' attack effectively in the first half. He slotted a crucial penalty goal and distributed well, managing the game capably in the wet conditions before an early injury forced him off.
11. Dylan Pietsch – 9/10 Pietsch was outstanding, opening the scoring with a dazzling diving finish that really set the tone for the Wallabies' attacking intent. He was active all over the pitch, showing great energy in both attack and defence, and was a constant threat on the wing.
12. Len Ikitau – 7/10 Ikitau delivered a strong defensive performance in the midfield, making numerous impactful tackles and holding the line firm against the Lions' powerful ball carriers. He also carried well himself, proving tough to bring down.
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 6/10 Suaalii provided flashes of his undeniable talent, including a key contribution to Pietsch's opening try and a bone-rattling tackle that forced a turnover. However, there were also periods where he was less involved, highlighting his ongoing adjustment to Test rugby.
14. Max Jorgensen – 8/10 Jorgensen continued his impressive series form with another try, cashing in on a Lions error and showcasing his speed and predatory instincts. He was aggressive with ball in hand throughout the game, always looking to beat defenders and gain ground.
15. Tom Wright – 7/10 Wright's reliability under the high ball was essential in the wet weather, and he contributed well to the Wallabies' tactical kicking game. He offered a consistent threat from the back, ensuring the Wallabies maintained pressure.
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – N/A Came on very late, not enough time to make a significant impact.
17. Angus Bell – 6.5/10 Bell provided a solid impact off the bench, particularly in the scrum where he kept the pressure on that the starters had built. His energy in open play was also evident, contributing to the Wallabies' late defensive efforts.
18. Zane Nonggorr – 6/10 Came on and contributed to the Wallabies' strong scrummaging performance. He worked hard in the tight, ensuring there was no drop-off in intensity from the starting tighthead.
19. Jeremy Williams – 7/10 Williams made an excellent impact off the bench, showing good physicality and winning important lineouts against the throw.
20. Langi Gleeson – N/A
21. Tate McDermott – 8/10 McDermott was a genuine game-changer off the bench, immediately injecting tempo and flair into the Wallabies' attack. His opportunistic try was a critical score that sealed the victory, showcasing his dynamism and attacking instincts.
22. Ben Donaldson – 7/10 Coming on early for the injured Lynagh, Donaldson delivered a highly composed performance, managing the game effectively in tough conditions. His goal-kicking was accurate (converting both his attempts), and he made smart decisions with ball in hand, avoiding errors.
23. Andrew Kellaway – N/A