Veteran Wallaby prop ruled out of final Lions clash, doubt for Springbok Tests

Alaalatoa, 31, sustained the injury during Australia's gut-wrenching 29-26 loss in Melbourne, a match that slipped away in the dying minutes. Initial scans have confirmed the worst: the Brumbies skipper will miss the Sydney Test and could require surgery, throwing his availability for the August tour of South Africa into question.

In response, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has called up former All Black Aidan Ross - a left-field move that underlines the Wallabies' growing depth concerns up front. Ross, who was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia, earned one Test cap for the All Blacks in 2022. Now, after signing with the Reds for next season and switching allegiances, he's been thrust into the Wallabies' camp just days before a must-win clash.

Despite Ross's arrival, Tom Robertson or Taniela Tupou - both used off the bench in the opening two Tests - are tipped to slot into the starting tighthead role.

"He's a huge loss," said second-rower Jeremy Williams of Alaalatoa. "He's been a leader on and off the field. We're all wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery."

Ross' rapid inclusion adds intrigue to Schmidt's plans. "He's a great bloke," Williams added. "He's bounced around a few top environments and will definitely bring something fresh."

In further bad news, winger Harry Potter has also been ruled out of the final Test. His replacement is yet to be confirmed, but Dylan Pietsch, Filipo Daugunu, and livewire Corey Toole are all in contention.

The Wallabies are now staring down the barrel of a 3-0 series sweep after dropping the opener 27-19 in Brisbane and surrendering a late lead in Melbourne. Despite flashes of promise under Schmidt's new regime, they've yet to convert strong starts into results.

"There's definitely fire in the belly," said lock Nick Frost. "It's a decider in front of a home crowd, and for most of the boys, Sydney's home turf. That adds fuel to the fire."

The stakes couldn't be higher. Saturday's clash at Allianz Stadium isn't just about salvaging pride - it's about momentum heading into the toughest road trip in world rugby: a two-Test series against the Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The Wallabies need a statement performance. Whether this depleted squad can deliver remains to be seen.