**Lions Take On Australia: Team News, Live Updates and Kick-Off Details for First Test in Brisbane**
Rugby fans across the British Isles and Australia are turning their attention to Brisbane this morning as the British & Irish Lions prepare to clash with the Wallabies in the opening Test match of their 2025 tour. The encounter at the iconic Suncorp Stadium promises to set the tone for a hotly-contested series, with both squads eager to make a significant statement in the first fixture.
Anticipation has been building for weeks, and Andy Farrell’s Lions are entering the contest with the weight of expectation firmly on their shoulders. Pundits across the rugby world have cited the visitors as favourites, particularly with Australia forced to field a side without several core players who are sidelined due to injury. Despite the depleted Australian line-up, the Wallabies will be determined to put up a fierce fight in front of their home crowd and prove doubters wrong.
A significant talking point leading into kick-off has been the Lions’ selection decisions. Welsh fans, in particular, have expressed surprise and disappointment at the omission of Jac Morgan, widely regarded as the standout openside flanker during the team’s recent warm-up matches. Instead, Farrell has chosen England’s Tom Curry for the starting berth, a move that has fuelled debate among supporters and former internationals alike.
In the backline, injuries have also forced reshuffles. Ireland’s Hugo Keenan steps in at full-back, covering for the injured Blair Kinghorn. The wings will feature Tommy Freeman and James Lowe, both expected to offer plenty of pace and attacking threat. The midfield brings a distinctly Scottish flavour, with Sione Tuipulotu partnering Huw Jones, while the half-backs see Jamison Gibson-Park combine with the creative talent of Finn Russell. This blend of talent from across the Lions’ constituent nations underscores the challenge and excitement of forging a cohesive unit for such high-stakes contests.
Up front, the Lions present a formidable proposition. The front row, comprised of Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong, will look to dominate at scrum time. In the second row, Lions captain Maro Itoje is partnered by Joe McCarthy, bringing both physicality and leadership to the set piece. Completing the starting pack, Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan will link up with Tom Curry in an athletic and mobile back-row combination.
On the other side, Australia have named a side captained by Harry Wilson, who leads a squad blending experience with emerging talent. The Wallabies’ backline includes the threat of Mark Nawaqanitawase and Andrew Kellaway among the replacements, while the likes of Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, and Joseph Suaalii are set to play prominent roles. The pack sees seasoned figures such as James Slipper lining up in the front row, and Nick Frost and Darcy Swain providing muscle in the engine room.
Kick-off is scheduled for 11am UK time, with exclusive live television coverage available on Sky Sports. For those unable to tune in, rugby outlets including Wales Online and other sports media are offering minute-by-minute updates so fans around the globe can keep up with the drama as it unfolds. Match officials for this high-profile encounter include New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe as referee, supported by assistant referees from Georgia and Italy, with TMO duties handled by Richard Kelly.
As with any Lions tour, the match serves not just as a sporting contest, but as a cultural event, uniting rugby followers from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in support of a shared cause. The selection calls, the anticipation, and the pride at stake all contribute to the electric atmosphere surrounding the first Test.
With the Wallabies looking to defend home turf and the Lions intent on delivering a winning start, all eyes now turn to Brisbane for a match that could set the narrative for the rest of the three-Test series. Whichever side emerges victorious, the outcome is sure to shape the momentum and morale of both squads in the weeks ahead.
Stay tuned for comprehensive post-match analysis once the final whistle has blown, as the rugby world digests the performances, the talking points, and what lies ahead in this closely-watched international showdown.