When it comes to Lions squad selection, Andy Farrell has been firm—nationality won’t be the deciding factor.
But despite his diplomatic stance, there’s no denying the strength of tried-and-tested partnerships.
With the first Test looming, some combinations just make sense.
One of the big talking points? The midfield.
And with Garry Ringrose now ruled out after a concussion against the Brumbies, the selection headache has only gotten worse for the coaching staff.
Jones Steps Up as Tuipulotu Inches Closer
Huw Jones has made himself hard to ignore.
His standout performance in the Lions’ demolition job over the Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV turned heads.
So much so that once Owen Farrell came off the bench, Jones was subbed off—probably to keep him fresh and injury-free for Brisbane.
And if Jones is in, Sione Tuipulotu seems like the natural partner.
The Glasgow and Scotland duo know each other inside out, and with Finn Russell almost guaranteed to start at fly-half, this Scottish 10-12-13 combo might be too good to pass up.
Tuipulotu vs Aki: Style, Fit and Form
Bundee Aki has made his presence known with his power runs, but he’s been hit-and-miss with ball handling.
On the other hand, Tuipulotu offers something more balanced—strength, smarts, and a seamless fit with Jones and Russell.
It’s not just about brute force; it’s about harmony and control.
When Tuipulotu is on the pitch with his fellow Scots, the trio is almost telepathic.
The Bench Battle: Who Makes the Cut?
Even if Tuipulotu gets the nod, Aki may still have a role.
His experience and versatility could be vital off the bench.
And with Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith waiting in the wings, there’s depth—but also pressure—for those covering the centre positions.
No Room for Favourites This Time
There’s been speculation that Farrell might lean on his Irish contingent.
But recent performances suggest that reputation alone won’t be enough. Take Jack Conan, for instance.
While he’s the only out-and-out No 8 on tour, Ben Earl’s explosive showing last Saturday has put him in genuine contention to start.
With the physicality of Itoje, McCarthy and Chessum in the tight five, there’s room to take a more mobile No 8 like Earl—and his form justifies the gamble.
Battle for the Wings and Scrum-Half Heats Up
On the wings, James Lowe’s underwhelming form has opened the door for Mack Hansen and Tommy Freeman.
Hansen’s energy and impact have been undeniable, while Freeman continues to fly high.
Lowe may be the established name, but form matters.
At scrum-half, Alex Mitchell has outshone Jamison Gibson-Park so far.
With plenty of game-time under his belt and a sharp understanding of the Lions’ style, he might just edge ahead in the pecking order.
Adelaide Delivers the Buzz, But the Opponents Flop
The Adelaide Oval served as a great venue, packed with excited fans and a beautiful backdrop—but the same can’t be said for the opposition.
The Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV looked promising on paper but turned out to be a flat, disjointed team on the field.
It was a reminder that chemistry and purpose matter more than just star names.
A Shoutout to the South Pacific
Meanwhile, Fiji’s fiery win over Scotland was a powerful moment.
Despite being robbed of a result against Australia the week before, they bounced back to make a strong statement.
Their passion, skill, and resilience deserve greater recognition—and more Test opportunities at home.
Scotland showed up. Why can’t other big unions follow their lead and bring rugby back to the Pacific Islands?
Empty Seats Tell a Story No One Expected
Here’s a shocker—the Tests aren’t sold out. Thousands of tickets are still up for grabs across the three games.
Prices may be to blame, with platinum seats costing over £300.
And for fans in the UK or Ireland, tickets are mostly locked behind expensive travel packages.
It’s a far cry from the roaring, youthful Red Army of old.
Right now, the crowd leans older and wealthier, and that’s not good for the game’s long-term atmosphere or accessibility.
The Lions Tour That Could Have Been Bigger
There was a real opportunity to make history on this tour—imagine 100,000 fans packed into the MCG.
Instead, poor planning and pricey tickets may leave seats empty.
If the Lions want to preserve their legendary aura, future tours must find a balance between profit and passion.