Tommy Freeman has handed the British & Irish Lions a major injury doubt before their third Test against Australia. The 24-year-old winger, who has started the first two Tests, sat out the captain’s run on Friday and it is understood he is struggling with a back injury. The Lions are targeting a first clean sweep since 1927 and a first unbeaten series since 1974.
On Friday the Lions were adamant that Freeman would be fit to play in Sydney, claiming his absence was down to his workload being managed. It is understood, however, that contingency plans have been drawn up that could see Huw Jones moved to the wing and Owen Farrell coming into the starting XV.
Mack Hansen would be an option if fully fit but he has missed the first two Tests with a foot injury and was deemed “85%” fit earlier in the week. Other options include Duhan can der Merwe and James Lowe with Blair Kinghorn switching from the left to the right wing. Jamie Osborne could also be a consideration.
This season Freeman has featured in 33 matches, surpassing the 30-match limit mandated by the Rugby Football Union.
“He was just doing the light walkthroughs,” said the assistant coach John Dalziel. “Wingers will do a lot of high intensity running so he had the morning off. He’s got to view a stadium which is hopefully going to come to life tomorrow.
“There’s no easy way to be a winger when you are chasing kicks and balls up in the air in the way the first two Tests have gone, so it’s quite easy for those guys to get their metres up.”
