British and Irish Lions news: Test team takes shape for Farrell with Brumbies team selection

By Aidan Leo

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has named what could be a first-choice Test lineup for the Lions’ clash with the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday, July 9.

Farrell will have taken plenty from his side’s struggles against the Waratahs, with his selection for the Brumbies clash reflecting that.

The match-day 23 features many of the squad’s biggest names.

Big guns return

Lions captain Maro Itoje returns to the starting lineup for the side’s penultimate match ahead of the eagerly anticipated first Test against the Wallabies on Saturday, July 19

He is partnered in the second row by Ireland’s Joe McCarthy, who has impressed on tour with his consistent performances and strong work ethic around the park

Dan Sheehan returns at hooker, quietly impressing all tour—both as stand-in captain during Itoje’s absence and with his all-round play

He is partnered in the front row by his countryman Tadhg Furlong at tighthead, alongside England’s abrasive running prop, Ellis Genge, at loosehead.

Possibly the most significant talking point from the selection: the half-back pairing.

Both Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell have been touted as the Lions’ likely starting half-backs for the Test matches — and this game offers them a key opportunity to cement their status’.

The Irish influence remains strong in the backline, with James Lowe back on the wing and the reliable pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose starting together in the centres.

Huw Jones was a standout at outside centre against the Waratahs — this may be Ringrose’s final opportunity to displace Jones from a likely starting spot.

After a strong performance at outside centre against the Waratahs, Huw Jones looks set to keep his spot — leaving Ringrose with perhaps his last opportunity to claim the starting position.

The lightning-fast and versatile Tommy Freeman starts at 14, a player whose spot in the match-day 23 is all but guaranteed — though Mack Hansen’s potential impact from the bench will keep the pressure on him to perform.

Blair Kinghorn didn’t light up the left wing against the Waratahs but has been entrusted with the number 15 jersey for this game.

With both him and Hugo Keenan as the only specialist full-back options for the Tests, their performance levels will need to improve significantly.

READ MORE: British and Irish Lions news: Lions defeat admirable Waratahs — same struggles continue

The question marks

The back row remains a point of uncertainty for Farrell, with inconsistent performances from those selected so far raising plenty of questions.

Tom Curry has been underwhelming at openside so far, as has Tadhg Beirne when covering on the flank.

However, this match offers Curry a chance to reassert his experience and reliability.

Ollie Chessum gets the nod at six, but questions remain over his suitability as a Test starter.

His versatility, however, could make him a more realistic option for a spot in the match-day 23.

The experienced Jack Conan starts at number eight, but questions remain over whether he still brings the necessary explosiveness to the role.

That said, he has delivered a steady and reliable showing throughout the tour.

Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock are named on the bench, but given the struggles the Lions have had in the back row, both are shaping as likely Test incumbents.

Van der Flier was solid but far from sensational against the Waratahs, while Pollock was a late withdrawal due to a calf strain.

So, plenty of question marks still hang over the back row.

That said, Farrell must shoulder some responsibility, having constantly rotated his options in the back row — making it difficult for players to build consistency or hit their stride in staking a claim.

However, this is inherent to the Lions’ tour against franchise sides, where rotation plays a key role in Farrell’s process for finalizing his Test squad.

With no registered lock on the bench, Ollie Chessum will be expected to cover the second row in the second half.

However, an injury to Chessum would raise alarm bells, as only loose forwards are available as cover alongside the starting locks.

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Farrell’s insights

Farrell says he remains open-minded about his final Test-team selection.

With two fixtures left before the Tests, these matches will be crucial in solidifying his preferred line-up.

“The nature of the format over these two games allows us to be open minded,” Farrell told Sky Sports. 

“We play on Saturday after this and we’ve got a full week’s worth of training. That’s what everyone’s used to anyway.

“You have to stay open minded. A closed book is not good for anyone.

“I understand the speculation but the truth of the matter is we’ve got a good side that’s going to take the field on Wednesday.

“But I’ll tell you guys what I said to the team this morning. There’s always going to be speculation but it’s up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on, in regards to the chance that they’ve got on Wednesday and on Saturday.

“I suppose players can play themselves in and play themselves out at the same time. All we’re looking for is a cohesive team performance and that’s at the forefront of what we’re trying to achieve.”

Following the Brumbies game, Farrell’s side heads to Adelaide for a clash with the Invitational Australia–New Zealand team on Saturday, July 12.

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