**Lions Edge Brumbies in Canberra as Test Selection Debates Intensify**
In a match that provided more questions than answers for British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell, the touring side clinched a 36-24 victory over a tenacious Brumbies squad in Canberra. While the result was never truly in doubt, the manner of the win exposed familiar frailties, especially at the breakdown, and fuelled the ongoing conversation about possible changes ahead of the first Test.
From the outset, the Lions appeared to struggle with fluency. Blair Kinghorn, starting at full-back, was visibly troubled by an early leg injury and eventually departed after 26 minutes. His exit made way for England’s Marcus Smith, who made the most of his chance, adding pace and precision to the backline upon his introduction.
On the wings, Tommy Freeman worked tirelessly in both attack and defence, though opportunities to shine with ball in hand were limited. James Lowe, on the other flank, managed to cross for a try but will likely rue an earlier chance where he was held up over the line. The Irishman’s playmaking abilities, however, suggested he could be pivotal come the Wallabies Test series.
The midfield partnership saw Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki in contrasting form. Ringrose’s skill and composure under pressure stood out, particularly during a cleverly taken try in the second half. Aki, while powerful on the carry, was occasionally let down by inconsistencies, opening the door for rival centres like Sione Tuipulotu and Owen Farrell to stake their claim.
Arguably one of the standout Lions was fly-half Finn Russell, who orchestrated the attack with trademark flair and vision. His ability to manipulate the Brumbies defence with a variety of passing options allowed the Lions’ outside backs to attack with purpose, underscoring his critical role in the squad. Jamison Gibson-Park, playing at scrum-half, earned the official player of the match award, combining seamlessly with Russell to manage the tempo and control proceedings.
The forwards also offered a mixed bag of performances. Jack Conan’s industrious display saw him top both the tackle and carrying charts, making a strong case for first Test selection at No 8. Meanwhile, Tom Curry contributed his usual grit at the breakdown and set up a try for Marcus Smith with a slick offload but failed to produce any turnovers, handing ammunition to those advocating for Jac Morgan’s inclusion at openside flanker.
Within the pack, Ollie Chessum and Joe McCarthy combined to good effect in the engine room, the latter proving particularly effective with nine tackles and consistent lineout presence. Captain Maro Itoje again led by example, showcasing his proficiency at disrupting opposition ball and marshalling his troops during critical periods. In the front row, Tadhg Furlong and Ellis Genge both imposed themselves in the scrum, silencing critics and putting their names forward for a starting role when the Tests begin.
Perhaps the most eye-catching performance belonged to hooker Dan Sheehan, whose faultless lineout throwing (14 from 14) and dynamic ball carrying – highlighted by a remarkable 40-metre break – cement him as one of the undroppable figures in Farrell’s plans. Replacements such as Henry Pollock made immediate impact, with his energy off the bench yielding direct benefits including a key line break and contribution to the scoreboard.
Despite the victory, questions linger. The Lions’ lack of breakdown dominance persisted, strengthening the argument for more specialist openside options. Several players will be nervously awaiting the coach’s verdict in the coming days, with Test jerseys up for grabs and form now more crucial than reputation.
With just over a week until the first Test, Farrell and his coaching team face some tough selection dilemmas. While some Lions have all but nailed down starting spots, others did little to ease doubts, ensuring the build-up to the opening encounter against Australia will be dominated as much by debate as by anticipation.