AUSTRALIA V BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS, THIRD TEST

  • Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
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  • Date: Saturday, 6 July
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  • Kick-off: 11:00 BST (20:00 local)
Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website, updates on BBC Radio 5 live
Australia captain James Horwill has been cleared to play in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions.
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The International Rugby Board's appeal against a citing commission's decision to clear the lock forward of stamping in the first Test was turned down.
Horwill was cited after his boot made contact with Alun Wyn Jones's head.
"I'm very relieved. I was confident because I know what happened and I'm glad the right result was made in the end," said Horwill.
"It means a hell of a lot to me to lead my country in what is probably the biggest game since the World Cup final in 2003.
"I'm very excited by the opportunity and now we can focus on the game, which is what's important. I feel vindicated by the ruling."
Horwill, 28, brought his foot down on Jones's head in the third minute of Australia's 23-21 defeat in Brisbane and the Welsh second row subsequently required stitches in a wound above his eye.
Judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC cleared Horwill at the initial hearing after deciding he could not be certain the Australia captain had intentionally stamped on Jones while the Lions lock was lying on the floor.

But there was criticism of the original judgement  and the IRB reacted by announcing on Thursday that it would appeal against the citing commission's decision following an extensive review of the case.That meant the Wallaby second row was free to lead Australia to a 16-15 win in the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday.
That appeal was heard on Monday by independent appeal officer Graeme Mew, who is based in Canada.
Mew said: "There was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable judicial officer could have reached the decision [to clear Horwill].
"Accordingly it could not be said that the judicial officer was manifestly wrong or that the interests of justice otherwise required his decision be overturned."
He also stated that the IRB had correctly launched an appeal given the governing body's role in ensuring player welfare, and protecting the image and reputation of the game
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