Imagine you’re back at your local, pint in hand, and everyone’s arguing over who should lead the Lions in Australia.

After a rollercoaster of final audition matches and passionate fan debates, the hierarchy is suddenly obvious.

Some names now seem as locked in as the haka itself, while others have slipped off the radar.

Maro Itoje Stands Head and Shoulders Above for Captaincy

It was always a two‑horse race between Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris, but after Leinster’s hiccup against Northampton, Itoje’s stock shot up.

Doris looked shell‑shocked, and Itoje? He’s a shoo‑in to wear the armband Down Under.

Not only has he bossed the Test XV chat, but with Doris just outside that elite circle, selecting Itoje feels like a no‑brainer for Andy Farrell.

A Squad That Still Leans Heavily on Leinster

Ahead of Thursday’s official reveal, you can almost hear the late English protest forming—yet there’s a glaring lack of numbers in certain areas.

The backline, in particular, looks thin, which means a big chunk of the 38‑man squad still comes from Leinster.

Given their recent scare against Northampton, relying on them could be a double‑edged sword.

Back Three: Speed, Power, and Recovery

Tommy Freeman (Eng): His try‑scoring spree makes him automatic.
Hugo Keenan (Ire) & James Lowe (Ire): Despite Leinster’s slip, their world‑class quality still counts.
Blair Kinghorn (Sco): On the mend in Toulouse, he’ll likely join later but is the best full‑back pick.
Duhan van der Merwe (Sco): His ball‑carrying dynamite adds a different threat—if he’s fit.
Darcy Graham (Sco): Electric pace and footwork narrowly edge out Mack Hansen.

Centres: Searching for Real Game‑Breakers

This is a worry. England and Wales have no centre candidates, while Ollie Lawrence’s Achilles setback ensures he’s out.

The Irish trio—Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose—bring complementary skills, but Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu, once he’s back from injury, looks tailor‑made for a power‑and‑pace split with Huw Jones.

Half‑Backs: Precision Passing vs. X‑Factor Kicks

Scrum‑half: Jamison Gibson‑Park’s dynamism makes him the Test favorite, with Alex Mitchell hot on his heels. Tomos Williams’ consistency for Gloucester earns him a spot too.
Fly‑half: After that Dublin shoot‑out, Fin Smith nudges ahead of Sam Prendergast and can challenge Finn Russell. George Ford, in scintillating form, deserves a slot as the third pivot, while Owen Farrell’s experience keeps him in the mix.

Front Row: Muscle for the Set‑Piece Battles

Australia won’t roll over in the scrum, so power is non‑negotiable here.

Props: Ellis Genge, Will Stuart (Eng), Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter (Ire), Zander Fagerson, Pierre Schoeman (Sco).
Hookers: Dan Sheehan (Ire) stands out, with Jamie George and Luke Cowan‑Dickie offering Lions know‑how and defensive grit.

Second Row: Locks with Leadership and Reach

Maro Itoje’s lock partnership will anchor the pack. Joe McCarthy (Ire) brings raw force, while Tadhg Beirne (Ire) shines at the breakdown.

Ollie Chessum (Eng) edges in for his athleticism, and Dafydd Jenkins might sneak in as cover if George Martin’s fitness remains shaky.

Back Row: Embrace the X‑Factor and Experience

Test No.8: Caelan Doris still leads the charge, but Jack Conan (Ire) is hot on his heels.
Flankers: Tom Curry (Eng) offers versatility, Courtney Lawes (Eng) brings steel, and Jac Morgan (Wal) adds Welsh flair.
New Wild Card: Henry Pollock’s breathtaking solo effort in Dublin demands attention—expect him to earn his stripes in Australia.

A Squad Poised to Conquer the Wallabies

Despite worries over depth—especially in midfield and the back three—this Lions squad has the firepower, leadership, and X‑factor to shine.

With Itoje at the helm and a blend of proven veterans and exciting newcomers, the Springboks’ old angst might give way to Aussie glory.

Here’s to a tour that lives up to the hype.