With less than two weeks remaining until the British & Irish Lions face Australia in the opening Test in Brisbane, the competition for coveted spots in the starting XV has intensified. As the squad continues its preparations Down Under, head coach Andy Farrell is left with a host of challenging decisions following a mixed start to the warm-up matches. Every travelling player except Owen Farrell – who only recently joined the team following Elliot Daly’s injury – has now had game time, offering selectors a wealth of evidence as they sculpt their Test side.
Despite suggestions that the lineup for the upcoming Brumbies game could closely reflect Farrell’s Test choices, the picture remains muddied by a series of fine margins and ongoing injuries. Several combinations look settled, yet others spark debate among pundits and supporters alike. The coach himself has repeatedly insisted that “jerseys are still up for grabs,” keeping squad members and fans guessing.
At full-back, Blair Kinghorn appears to be edging in front, despite joining the tour late after a successful club season with Toulouse. He contends with Ireland’s Hugo Keenan, who has struggled with fitness and illness through much of the tour, hampering his ability to make a decisive case for selection. Kinghorn’s versatility and recent form for both club and country make him a strong contender, should he impress against the Brumbies.
Out wide, Mack Hansen – trusted by Farrell and regularly selected for Ireland – has demonstrated his reliability and tactical intelligence. His ability to perform the basics at a high level, allied with impressive work ethic, could see him sneak ahead of rival Tommy Freeman. On the left flank, Ireland’s James Lowe is well-placed thanks to a standout showing in the Western Force fixture and his reputation as a dynamic finisher with a useful left-footed kick.
The midfield options present Farrell with a real selection headache. Irish stalwart Garry Ringrose’s defensive acumen and playmaking qualities put him marginally ahead of Scotland’s Huw Jones, even though Jones delivered an electric performance in his last outing. Meanwhile, the inside centre slot hangs in the balance between Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu, both formidable carriers and deft distributors. Yet, the established Aki-Ringrose partnership at international level could edge Tuipulotu out for the Test opener.
At half-back, Scotland’s Finn Russell stands out as an automatic choice. Russell has added stability and composure to his unique creativity, making him a genuine match-winner and a figure the Wallabies will be keen to contain. At scrum-half, Leinster’s Jamison Gibson-Park, a key presence in Ireland’s rise in recent seasons, is tipped to win the nod over England’s Alex Mitchell despite a cautious start to the tour due to minor injury.
In the forward pack, selection battles look particularly fierce. Jack Conan’s status as the only specialist number eight in the squad gives him a probable advantage, while Wales’ Jac Morgan – fresh from a man-of-the-match display against the Queensland Reds – is firmly in the mix at openside flanker. Tom Curry and Josh van der Flier provide tough opposition, but Morgan’s determination and explosive style could be irresistible to the selectors.
The engine room appears more certain, with tour captain Maro Itoje an indomitable presence at lock. Joe McCarthy, the emerging Irish talent, is favoured to line up alongside Itoje, having caught the eye with destructive carrying and robust physicality. In the back row, Tadhg Beirne’s blend of experience and versatility makes him the likely selection at blindside, despite a relatively understated tour by his standards.
Turning to the front row, Tadhg Furlong’s reputation as a world-class prop is expected to overshadow recent performances, while Dan Sheehan adds dynamism and reliability at hooker. England’s Ellis Genge, renowned for his scrummaging power and aggression, is likely to complete the starting line-up, offering crucial go-forward ball.
As ever, the bench will play a pivotal role. Impact options such as Luke Cowan-Dickie, Andrew Porter, and Finlay Bealham could swing the match in the closing stages. The versatility of Ben Earl, Owen Farrell’s experience, and the flair of Tommy Freeman provide depth and adaptability against a Wallabies side with a point to prove.
While the Lions have not yet gelled to perfection during their warm-up run, the weeks of experimentation, disappointment, and flashes of brilliance have crystallised a core group likely to face Australia. With the Test series representing the culmination of years of work and anticipation, Farrell’s final selections are keenly awaited both inside camp and among the sea of red-clad supporters who will follow every moment. The next two fixtures may ultimately determine where the tightest calls fall, but it is already clear: the depth and quality in this touring party sets the stage for a classic Lions Test series down under.