Deans predicts third test surprises

James Horwill
While there’s just one cumulative point separating the combatants in two nip-and-tuck Tests, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has predicted both Australia and the Lions will take some left-field approaches in Saturday night’s third Test decider.

Deans expects both sides to throw more caution to the wind to win the showpiece series on Saturday night, rather than sit back and hope not to lose.

The British and Irish Lions were guilty of that philosophy when they failed to seize the day in the second Test in Melbourne after leading 15-9 with 18 minutes left, instead attempting to close out the victory with a dour, field-position game.

But Deans is braced for some tricks and new tactics at ANZ Stadium.

“There will be surprises this week, no doubt,” he said. “This is the end, the final whistle – there’s no coming back.

Added to the 16-15 comeback win at Etihad Stadium, the Wallabies have all the momentum heading into the decider following skipper James Horwill’s final clearance on a rucking charge from the first Test.

The Lions had originally referred Horwill’s stomp on rival lock Alun Wyn Jones to the citing commissioner after their 23-21 first Test win but have said they’re happy to let the matter rest after Tuesday’s appeal verdict.

–AAP

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