It’s not every day one man can carry the pride of a whole nation, but Jac Morgan seems to be doing just that.
While Wales may be the least represented country on this year’s British & Irish Lions tour, their sole flagbearer is making waves—literally and figuratively.
Against the Queensland Reds, Morgan proved exactly why Andy Farrell has him on speed dial and why the English hopefuls will need to up their game to keep up.
A Standout Performance That Got Everyone Talking
The Lions comfortably dismantled the Reds in a high-scoring affair, but the standout moment came from Morgan.
There was a bit of back-and-forth about how many tackles he actually made—some said 18, others 20 or 21—but the message was clear: he was everywhere.
Beyond just tackling like a machine, he secured three turnovers and even crossed the try line with a clinical finish.
It was a complete performance that shot him up the pecking order among the Lions’ many talented openside flankers.
Recognition and Praise from the Coach
Even with Maro Itoje putting in another towering shift, it was Morgan who walked away with the Player of the Match award.
That says a lot. Farrell was full of praise after the game, saying, “Jac was everywhere… aggressive in his hitting and carries, and his speed on the floor is what sets him apart.”
Farrell now has a proper selection headache on his hands, especially at openside flanker.
It’s one of the most competitive positions in the squad, and Morgan just put himself right at the center of the conversation.
A Loaded Back Row and a Tough Choice Ahead
Farrell’s options at openside are stacked: Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Josh van der Flier, and the young wildcard Henry Pollock.
Even Jack Willis—arguably Europe’s best 7—couldn’t make the trip due to his commitments in France.
But with so many choices and only one likely spot in the starting Test XV, Farrell has tough decisions to make.
If the Lions opt for a lock-style blindside flanker like Tadhg Beirne or Ollie Chessum, it limits the space for a traditional No 7.
And that’s where Morgan’s specialist skills may give him the edge.
Carrying the Weight of a Struggling Wales
Morgan’s standout showing also gave a boost to fans back in Wales, who’ve had little to cheer about.
The national team has been going through a brutal stretch—17 consecutive Test losses and a demoralizing Six Nations that ended with the Wooden Spoon.
Morgan’s leadership during that dark run was commendable, even if thankless.
His performance against the Reds felt like a reward for his resilience.
After all the hardship, he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Can Morgan Be Left Out?
Farrell joked that Morgan could play “wherever he wants,” but let’s be honest—he needs to be in the starting XV or not at all. He’s not a utility back-rower.
He’s a world-class openside specialist. That’s his strength.
Earl, Curry, and Pollock all offer more flexibility across positions.
Curry’s injury has affected his form, but his experience makes him a tempting option.
Pollock, the exciting 20-year-old, has had flashes of brilliance but is still raw.
The Lions Still Have Work to Do
Despite the big scoreline, the Lions didn’t start well. At halftime, they only led 21–12.
The scrum struggled, their handling was patchy, and defensive lapses were too frequent.
But the second half showed what this team is capable of when they click.
The backline is slowly shaking off the rust.
Duhan van der Merwe and Bundee Aki needed time to find rhythm, but players like Huw Jones, Tommy Freeman, and Finn Russell are growing into the tour.
Fullback Problems but Midfield Stability
Elliot Daly’s injury has left a question mark over the fullback position, but Blair Kinghorn or Hugo Keenan could step in.
Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell gelled nicely in their first game together, which is great news for the team’s creative core.
Tommy Freeman continues to impress, keeping his try-scoring streak alive, while Aki and Jones are firming up their midfield combination.
Scrum Worries Linger Ahead of Bigger Tests
There’s firepower all over the pitch, but the scrum is still a worry.
The Lions aren’t dominating provincial packs the way they should, and that could become a real issue when the Wallabies come into play.
Fixing the set-piece has to be a top priority before the real tests begin.
What’s Next on the Tour?
The Lions face the Waratahs in Sydney next, followed by the Brumbies in Canberra.
Neither side will be at full strength, especially the Brumbies, who’ll be missing most of their Wallabies.
An invitational Australia-New Zealand team awaits in Adelaide after that, but cohesion will likely be an issue for them.
If the Lions keep building momentum, they should sweep these fixtures.
Wales Still Has a Voice in the Lions
Jac Morgan has reminded everyone that even with just one player, Wales still has something to say on this tour.
In a time when Welsh rugby has been under the microscope, Morgan is a bright spot—a determined, hard-hitting symbol of hope.
And if Farrell’s watching closely, he’ll know Morgan’s not just making up the numbers. He’s demanding a Test spot.
