It’s crunch time in Australia, and all eyes are on the British and Irish Lions’ first Test against the Wallabies this Saturday.
While the squad is packed with talent, one of the fiercest selection battles has quietly been playing out in the back row — and it looks like England’s Tom Curry is coming out on top.
England’s Curry Beats Out Fierce Competition
At 27, Tom Curry has been pushing hard to reclaim his best form during this tour.
Even with Wales skipper Jac Morgan lighting it up at openside flanker and big names like Josh van der Flier, Ben Earl, and rising star Henry Pollock all in the mix, Curry appears to have convinced head coach Andy Farrell that he’s still the man for the job.
Having started all three Lions Tests in South Africa back in 2021, Curry’s experience and intensity — Farrell once called him a “machine” — are proving too valuable to overlook.
That edge might be what earns him the starting No 7 shirt once again.
Red Rose Stronghold in the Starting XV
Curry isn’t the only England player set to make the starting lineup.
He’ll likely be joined by winger Tommy Freeman, powerhouse prop Ellis Genge, and captain Maro Itoje in a side that, while heavily Irish in composition, has English steel in key positions.
Overall, Ireland continues to dominate the squad numbers, but England’s core representatives are being trusted with serious responsibility.
Midfield Settles Itself After Injury Blow
There had been questions about the inside centre role — especially after Garry Ringrose’s unfortunate head injury ruled him out of contention.
That twist opened the door for Huw Jones, who now looks set to partner Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu in midfield.
It’s a combo that’s worked brilliantly for Scotland, with Finn Russell expected to orchestrate the game at fly-half.
Limited Back Three Options Shift the Dynamic
Injuries have also taken a toll on the back-three selection.
Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen are both sidelined, which means Hugo Keenan will step in at full-back, with James Lowe likely taking the left wing spot.
Lowe hasn’t been his usual electric self on tour, but his experience and previous form are enough to keep him in the lineup.
Expected Starting XV for First Test
Here’s how the team is expected to line up:
Hugo Keenan (Ireland); Tommy Freeman (England), Huw Jones (Scotland), Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland);
Finn Russell (Scotland), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland);
Ellis Genge (England), Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland); Maro Itoje (England, captain), Joe McCarthy (Ireland);
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tom Curry (England).
Bench Strategy: Smith In, Farrell Likely Out
With so many injury setbacks, the bench selections are just as interesting.
Marcus Smith is expected to get the nod among the replacements, largely thanks to his versatility — he can cover both fly-half and full-back.
That spells bad news for Fin Smith and possibly even Owen Farrell.
Despite Farrell’s Test pedigree and his return to the squad after Elliot Daly’s injury, it seems Andy Farrell (no relation) might opt for someone like Bundee Aki off the bench, who brings raw power and energy later in the game.
Young Guns Miss Out but Stay Ready
Two more English players — Ben Earl and Ollie Chessum — are set to be part of the matchday squad, though young Henry Pollock is expected to miss out this time.
Still, the youngest Lion on tour has made a name for himself, especially after boldly stating the squad’s goal of a 3-0 series win.