Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt insists there's no "sentimentality" about elevating Nic White for a maiden Lions Test cap in Saturday's showdown in Sydney.
After missing the opening two Lions Tests, White will bow out of international rugby as Australia's starting scrumhalf at Accor Stadium with Tate McDermott his deputy and Jake Gordon dropping out of the matchday 23.
It follow today's news the 72-cap Wallaby would retire at the conclusion of Super Rugby AUS.
Schmidt told reporters all three were available for selection and White had fought hard to earn back his jersey after a strong showing against Fiji in Newcastle.
"He has the confidence of the players, he has a really good game under his belt against Fiji and I thought he played really well against the British and Irish Lions for the Western Force," Schmidt said.
"He's built his way into contention … we're really well served by three nines who are all capable of playing at that level.
"I'm not a sentimentalist. It's a Test match and you pick people who are capable of playing that test match and we believe that Nic is.
"He's such a good character in the group. It's funny because I've coached against him lots of times and thought he was a pain in the neck," Schmidt added.
"(But) he's such a good little player and he's around the fringes and linking and he kicks really well and he talks quite well.
An emotional White told reporters he was ready to run the water on Saturday "just to finish in my boots" before hearing of his selection.
"Jake and Tate did an unbelievable job the first two games. I know for Jake, he's obviously coming back from an injury and had some big minutes," White said.
"But, to be honest, I was ready to go into bat with Joe about potentially running the water just to finish in my boots. I didn't see it coming, but really appreciate it and, yeah, I won't let the boys down.
"I feel like I played well against the Lions over at Optus (Stadium), I feel like I was playing good footy against Fiji at the end there … and I've been training well against the boys, keeping the axe sharp for the boys and the reggies (reserves).
1. James Slipper (146 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (21 Tests) - #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Taniela Tupou (58 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (28 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Will Skelton (33 Tests) - #883; The Hills Sports High School
6. Tom Hooper (12 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (28 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (25 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Nic White (72 Tests) - #875, Maitland Blacks
10. Tom Lynagh (5 Tests) - #977; University of Queensland
11. Dylan Pietsch (5 Tests) - #978, Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (42 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (7 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (10 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (40 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (9 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (39 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Zane Nonggorr (11 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Jeremy Williams (13 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Langi Gleeson (16 Tests) - #960; Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (44 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Andrew Kellaway (40 Tests) - #943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club
