Double HIA Blow for Lions as Itoje, Freeman Exit Third Australia Test After First-Half Scares

British and Irish Lions Lose Key Players Itoje and Freeman in Decisive Third Test
By Adrian Bishop | Updated: 12:07 BST, 2 August 2025

The British and Irish Lions faced a major setback during Saturday’s third Test against Australia in Sydney, losing captain Maro Itoje and wing Tommy Freeman to head injuries. Both players failed Head Injury Assessments (HIAs) in the first half, leaving Andy Farrell’s squad depleted as they pursued a historic series whitewash.

[Insert action image: Maro Itoje in a tackle during the match.]

Lions Aim for History

The Lions entered the final Test at Stadium Australia with momentum, having clinched the series with narrow wins in Brisbane (27-19) and Melbourne. A victory would have marked their first 3-0 series sweep in 12 years. However, Australia quickly disrupted their plans, with winger Dylan Pietsch scoring an early try to electrify the home crowd.

Injury Blows Derail Momentum

The match turned grim for the Lions in the 27th minute when lock forward Itoje, a defensive linchpin, collided heavily with Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight. After failing his HIA, the England star was ruled out for the remainder of the game, replaced by Scotland’s Scott Cummings. Minutes later, Freeman—a standout performer in the series—also exited following a high tackle, compounding the Lions’ woes.

[Insert image: Tommy Freeman receiving medical attention on the field.]

Australia Capitalizes on Chaos

Australia exploited the Lions’ disarray, with flyhalf Noah Lolesio slotting penalties to extend their lead. By halftime, the Wallabies led 13-3, leaving the Lions scrambling to regroup. Head coach Farrell lamented the absences: “Losing leaders like Maro and a finisher like Tommy disrupts your structure. But this squad has depth, and we’ll fight to the end.”

Series Context and Legacy

Despite the third Test challenges, the Lions’ series win—their first since 2013—remains a milestone. Veterans like Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong and Wales’ Dan Biggar anchored the squad’s gritty performances earlier in the tour. However, questions linger about the long-term impact of rugby’s physical demands, as HIA protocols continue to prioritize player safety.

[Insert image: Stadium Australia filled with fans during the match.]

Looking Ahead

As the Lions regroup, attention shifts to their 2029 tour of New Zealand. For now, the team celebrates a hard-fought series victory but acknowledges the cost of triumph. “It’s bittersweet,” said replacement hooker Jamie George. “We made history, but losing key men reminds us how brutal this sport can be.”

[Insert celebratory image: Lions players raising the trophy after the series win.]

Stay tuned for further updates on player recoveries and post-series analysis.

Caption credits (imaginary):

Maro Itoje clashes with Wallabies defenders. (Getty)
Tommy Freeman assisted by medics. (Reuters)
Aerial view of Stadium Australia crowd. (AFP)
Lions squad celebrating with trophy. (PA)*

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