British and Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell backs size and dynamism for first Test

By Aidan Leo

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has named a heavyweight pack for Saturday’s first Test against the Wallabies, opting for size and physicality up front.

Behind them, however, he’s injected pace and flair into the backline, striking a deliberate balance between brute force and attacking dynamism.

The bench offers a blend of both, underscoring the depth and tactical flexibility Farrell and his coaching staff have at their disposal.

First Test match-day 23

As expected, the tight five offers no surprises, with Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong forming a formidable front row.

Exuberant Irish lock Joe McCarthy gets the nod at number five, partnering captain Maro Itoje in the engine room.

There was speculation that Tadhg Beirne might start in the second row, but he slots in at blindside instead.

Farrell has gone with experience in the back row, naming veteran openside Tom Curry at seven, and Ireland’s Jack Conan to anchor the scrum at number eight.

In the backline, it’s a case of the best available — whether first-choice talent or those stepping up due to injury.

The half-back pairing of Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell was always the likely combination to steer the ship in the opening Test.

The number 12 jersey was always a tight call between Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu, with Farrell ultimately opting for the latter.

With Garry Ringrose still sidelined under concussion protocols, Huw Jones slots in at outside-centre — a reward for his outstanding form throughout the tour.

James Lowe, ever-consistent on the left wing, is joined by the electric Tommy Freeman on the right.

Full-back was effectively a two-horse race between Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn, but with Kinghorn still recovering from injury, Keenan gets the nod — bringing his trademark calm and composure to the backfield.

Huge omissions

The back row has been a particular area of debate and uncertainty, with Farrell’s selections only adding to the intrigue.

His decision to omit any Welsh player from the starting 15 for the first time since 1896 is telling.

Jac Morgan, the only Welsh representative in the match-day squad following Tomos Williams’ injury, misses out despite his consistent, strong performances throughout the tour.

Former World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier has also been left out, despite many expecting him to start at seven.

Perhaps the most surprising omission is the youthful and lively Henry Pollock, whose impact off the bench was widely anticipated to push the tempo if necessary.

Meanwhile, Owen Farrell — though a widely reported call-up, remains in the wider squad, set to feature only if required in the Tests to follow. 

Bench solidity and dynamism

Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher provide cover at loosehead and hooker, respectively, while England’s Will Stuart offers reliable solidity as tighthead back-up.

Utility forwards Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl add depth to the second row and back row, and are expected to inject pace and intent when they come on in the second half.

Marcus Smith has been preferred over countryman Fin Smith due to his versatility, especially at fly-half and full-back.

Alex Mitchell, as expected, serves as deputy to Gibson-Park.

The relentless Bundee Aki wears the number 23 jersey and is likely to replace Tuipulotu’s physicality in the second half, providing vital go-forward to help close out the game.

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Farrell proud of his team, the fans, expects challenging encounter

“We are entering the business end of the Tour and it is time to put in our best performance to date,” Farrell told Sky Sports.

“We know how motivated the Wallabies will be and we know they are a well organised and dangerous side.

“It is a great occasion and a proud moment for Maro Itoje, who will captain the Test side, but also for those players who get the opportunity to represent the group on Saturday night.

“We have seen a flood of Lions supporters on the streets of Brisbane this week and we are looking forward to seeing a Sea of Red in the stands of the Suncorp Stadium cheering on the team.”

Key players in Wallabies’ 23

Tom Lynagh, son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, will make just his fourth Test start against the Lions.

Former NRL superstar Joseph Sua’ali’i starts at outside-centre and is a genuine gamebreaker—so much so that many fans will go through the turnstiles at Suncorp Stadium just to see him play. 

Back-rowers Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, key figures in the Wallabies’ recent campaigns, will be crucial if Australia are to get something from this Test.

The tenacious Wilson leads the Wallabies as captain.

They’ll need to be at their best, considering key players are missing, in flanker Rob Valetini and lock Will Skelton.

Valetini has been Australia’s leading ball carrier over the past four seasons, while Skelton has cemented his reputation on the world stage with La Rochelle.

It’ll be an uphill battle for the Wallabies, but with Joe Schmidt’s coaching acumen and homeground advantage at play, they’re expected to deliver a strong challenge to the Lions.

The eagerly awaited start of the Test series begins on Saturday, July 19, at Suncorp Stadium.

Starting match-day 23s

British and Irish Lions: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Joe McCarthy, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Bundee Aki.

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon; 1 James Slipper, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (c).

Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Tom Hooper 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway.

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