**Lions Opt for Star Power in Final Midweek Clash as Jac Morgan Misses Out**
The British and Irish Lions have unveiled a formidable line-up to face the Brumbies in their last midweek encounter before the much-anticipated Test series against Australia, with Welsh captain Jac Morgan absent from the side. The clash, set for Wednesday at Canberra’s Gio Stadium, is viewed as a key selection rehearsal, and head coach Andy Farrell appears to be giving one final look at a host of players strongly tipped to feature in the opening Test.
Morgan, who has impressed during the tour—earning player of the match last week against Queensland Reds and making an impact off the bench versus the Waratahs—has shared the coveted openside flanker jersey with Ireland’s Josh van der Flier to this point. Both have notched up two starts apiece at number seven, but, intriguingly, England’s Tom Curry is set to wear the shirt against the Brumbies, marking his first outing in this position on tour. Curry is joined in the back row by fellow England forward Ollie Chessum and Ireland’s Jack Conan, giving the trio a chance to cement their case for Test selection.
The squad also sees England’s Maro Itoje, acting as tour captain, returning to the leadership role and partnering with Ireland’s Joe McCarthy in the second row. This pairing signals stability and strength at the heart of the Lions pack, elements that Farrell will undoubtedly be seeking as the Test series looms.
In what could be a preview of the Test front row, England’s Ellis Genge lines up alongside Irish internationals Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong. All three are widely considered frontrunners for starting berths when the series proper kicks off, providing further evidence that Wednesday’s team is being used to refine combinations ahead of Brisbane.
The backline features the likely Test half-back pairing: Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half and Scotland’s Finn Russell at fly-half, given another chance to develop their on-field connection. Irish duo Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose form a familiar partnership in the midfield, expected to offer both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
On the wings, England’s Tommy Freeman and Ireland’s James Lowe will aim to impress, while Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn is handed his first start at full-back during this tour. Kinghorn’s versatility and attacking prowess could prove invaluable as the Lions seek to fine-tune their back three arrangements.
Notably, the bench features no specialist lock cover, with Chessum taking his place in the starting side. The back-row replacements include van der Flier and Henry Pollock, the latter returning to the squad after missing the last match. There are also spots for Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, and Mack Hansen, the latter relishing a homecoming of sorts as he faces familiar opposition in Canberra.
Head coach Andy Farrell acknowledged both the significance and the danger of the Brumbies clash, noting their status as the top Australian Super Rugby team and recalling their famous 2013 victory over the Lions in Canberra. “We are fully aware of the challenge in front of us,” Farrell commented, underscoring the importance of this final tune-up before the Tests. He also highlighted the personal significance for Mack Hansen, who will play against some of his former teammates in his hometown.
Kick-off is scheduled for 11:00am BST, with live coverage available via Sky Sports for fans across the UK and Ireland. For many players, this fixture represents a final opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the prestigious Test side that will face the Wallabies.
The Lions will conclude their warm-up schedule with a fixture against an Invitational Australia & New Zealand XV in Adelaide on Saturday—a week out from the first Test in Brisbane—by which time final selections and strategies will be firmly in focus.
**Lions team to face Brumbies:** Blair Kinghorn; Tommy Freeman, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy; Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jack Conan.
**Replacements:** Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen.
With the Test series on the horizon, Wednesday’s match is poised to play a decisive role in shaping the final Lions squad. As selection battles reach their climax, all eyes will be on Canberra to see which players can deliver under pressure and earn a coveted place in the historic Test line-up.