Bowe Keeps Place For Lions Decider

 

 Ulster winger Tommy Bowe has kept his place on the wing for the Lions final test match despite Warren Gatland making a number of changes as the Lions bid to win their first test series since 1997. Bowe, who recovered from injury to play in the second test defeat, will make his fifth Lions appearance in Sydney.

 Gatland made a number of changes after defeat in the second test, the most notable of which saw Brian O’Driscoll dropped from the squad. The legendary centre was denied was denied the chance to end his Lions career in the perfect way. He was replaced by Jamie Roberts, who recovered from injury, to join his Welsh centre partner Jonathon Davies, who shifts to outside centre. O’Driscoll was expected to captain the side in the absence of tour captain Sam Warburton but his omission sees Welsh second row Alun Wyn Jones take the role. Alex Corbisiero also recovered from injury to take his spot in the front row, replacing Mako Vunipola. Alongside Corbisiero at hooker Richard Hibbard comes in for Tom Youngs, who can count himself as unlucky after performing well in the first two tests. The back row also experiences a number of changes with Sean O’Brien replacing the injured captain Sam Warburton on the openside while Toby Faletau replaces Jamie Heaslip at Number 8. Meanwhile behind the scrum Mike Phillips returns after missing the second test replacing Ben Youngs.

Full Team: 15 Leigh Halfpenny. 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Mike Phillips, 1 Alex Corbisiero, 2 Richard Hibbard, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones (capt), 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sean O'Brien, 8 Toby Faletau
Replacements: 16 Mako Vunipola, 17 Tom Youngs, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Richie Gray, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Manu Tuilagi