The British and Irish Lions will make history with an all-Scottish midfield trio for the first time when they take on Australia in the first Test at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Saturday, 19 July.
Fly-half Finn Russell, centre Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones have been named to start for Andy Farrell’s team, with players from Ireland and England completing the rest of the squad.
For the first time since 1896, the Lions have selected a squad for a Test against Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa without any Welsh players, with Jac Morgan being left out despite his impressive performances on tour. Farrell described Morgan as “as close as you could imagine” to being selected.
Lions Team to Face Australia
- Backs: Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Tuipulotu, Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park
- Forwards: Genge, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, McCarthy, Beirne, Curry, Conan
Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Mitchell, M. Smith, Aki
Power and Experience in the Back Row
Farrell has selected a powerful and experienced back row with Tadhg Beirne at blind-side flanker, ahead of Ollie Chessum, who had made a strong case for inclusion. Jack Conan, Ireland’s number eight, completes the back row, with all three players having played in the Test series against South Africa four years ago.
“We feel it’s the right balance for the first Test, with Tadgh’s quality in the set-piece, his ability on the floor as a jackler, and as a ball-playing six,” Farrell said. “Tom Curry is the engine we all know that we need in regards to Test match football.”
Lions’ Depth and Competition for Places
The depth and competition for spots in the squad has been fierce, with Tom Curry earning the nod at number seven, ahead of Morgan and Josh van der Flier.
“Players like Jac, Josh, and Henry could easily have been in this side if they hadn’t played so well,” Farrell acknowledged. “It just shows the good place we’re at as a group.”
Other Key Selections
Despite a dramatic mid-tour call-up, Owen Farrell has not made the 23-man squad. Meanwhile, Blair Kinghorn failed to recover from injury, leading to Hugo Keenan being selected at full-back. On the wings, Tommy Freeman and James Lowe will take the spots.
In the half-back partnership, Jamison Gibson-Park will partner Finn Russell, creating a dynamic and exciting pairing.
The front row will consist of Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong, with Joe McCarthy and captain Maro Itoje forming the second row.
Lions’ Momentum
The Lions have won all five of their tour matches in Australia and are considered the favourites to win the three-match series. Fans can expect an exciting contest on 19 July as the Lions aim to continue their winning form.
