With the Lions tour heating up and anticipation building ahead of the first Test in Brisbane, Andy Farrell has officially unveiled his matchday squad—and as many expected, Ireland is front and center.
The head coach has named a starting lineup featuring eight Irish players, seven from Leinster, setting the tone for Saturday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium against the Wallabies.
England’s Tom Curry Gets the Nod as Selection Calls Settle
One of the more closely watched selection calls was for openside flanker—and England’s Tom Curry has won that battle.
Meanwhile, Tadhg Beirne edges out Ollie Chessum for the blindside role, despite the latter’s strong form.
Over in midfield, Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu is preferred over Bundee Aki, although Aki still makes the bench.
What’s more notable is who didn’t make the cut—Owen Farrell is out of the matchday 23 altogether, despite his recent late addition to the squad.
Marcus Smith, meanwhile, slots in as a replacement fly-half.
Injuries Clear Up the Back Line Puzzle
Backline injuries helped simplify Farrell’s choices.
With Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen sidelined, Hugo Keenan steps in at full-back while James Lowe retains his wing spot—despite a somewhat inconsistent tour performance so far.
The half-back pairing of Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park had been expected for weeks, and with Garry Ringrose still recovering from a head knock, Huw Jones fills in at outside centre.
Powerhouse Forwards and Impact Replacements Chosen
Up front, some selections were inevitable. Captain Maro Itoje and Ireland’s Dan Sheehan were always going to start, and Joe McCarthy‘s outstanding performance against the Western Force earned him a well-deserved spot in the second row.
Ellis Genge will start at loosehead after a string of strong outings, with Tadhg Furlong bringing experience and grit at tighthead.
On the bench, Will Stuart was chosen ahead of Finlay Bealham, while Ollie Chessum provides versatile cover across the second and back rows.
Ben Earl‘s all-around skillset wins him a place ahead of unlucky back-row contenders like Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, and Henry Pollock.
Farrell Urges Lions to Elevate Their Game for Wallabies Test
With the squad set, Andy Farrell was clear in his message—it’s time to raise the bar.
“We’re at the business end of the tour now,” he said. “It’s time to deliver our best performance.
We know Australia will be fired up and we need to meet that challenge head-on.”
Wallabies Forced into Changes as Injuries Hit Key Players
Across the pitch, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has had injury issues of his own.
Australia will be without two of their most influential forwards—Will Skelton and Rob Valetini—who both miss the opener due to calf issues.
Schmidt admitted they were close to being fit but ultimately had to be cautious.
He’s hoping to have them back in time for the second Test in Melbourne.
Fresh Faces and Famous Names Step Up for Australia
To fill the gaps, Schmidt has taken some bold steps.
Nick Champion de Crespigny, an abrasive flanker from the Western Force, will make his Test debut on Saturday, thrown straight into the deep end.
Meanwhile, Tom Lynagh—yes, the son of Aussie World Cup legend Michael Lynagh—will make his first start at fly-half.
Schmidt expressed full confidence in the 21-year-old, who is no stranger to Suncorp Stadium as a Queensland Reds playmaker.
“He knows the pitch inside and out,” Schmidt said.
“If he settles early, I believe he can dictate the tempo. He’s brave in defence and great in the air.”
Who’s Lining Up for Each Side?
Wallabies Starting XV
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Backs: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon
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Forwards: Slipper, Faessler, Alaalatoa; Frost, Williams; Champion de Crespigny, Wilson (capt), McReight
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Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway
Lions Starting XV
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Backs: Keenan (Ireland); Freeman (England), Jones (Scotland), Tuipulotu (Scotland), Lowe (Ireland); Russell (Scotland), Gibson-Park (Ireland)
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Forwards: Genge (England), Sheehan (Ireland), Furlong (Ireland); Itoje (England, captain), McCarthy (Ireland); Beirne (Ireland), Conan (Ireland), Curry (England)
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Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Mitchell, Smith, Aki