British and Irish Lions team: Winners and losers as Owen Farrell captains and Scotland call-up has opportunity to make case for Test start
British and Irish Lions lineup winners and losers as Farrell captains and Scotland call-up has opportunity to make case for test start
Owen Farrell’s return to the British and Irish Lions has taken yet another magical turn, as he is named captain of the touring side for their midweek match against First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Here are the winners and losers from the team announcement:
Winners:
Owen Farrell
Just two weeks ago he wasn’t even involved with the squad, but on Tuesday he will be running out as captain. Although it’s not a full Test cap, his key involvement indicates the confidence that his father, and Lions head coach, Andy Farrell has in the 33-year-old. Starting at inside centre outside of the young Fin Smith, Farrell is expected to use all his experience and leadership skills to help the Lions to a comprehensive victory. A solid performance in this match will almost certainly put him in contention for a bench spot on Saturday.
Darcy Graham
The Scotland winger was backed by many to have been initially selected for the Lions prior to the tour, but for whatever reason, his name was omitted. Finally called up to the squad last week, Graham now has the opportunity to play in the red of the Lions.
There were noticeable problems on the wings on Saturday, with neither of Andy Farrell’s current Test selections firing. So, a quality performance from Graham on Tuesday could slingshot the Scotland star into Test contention.
Jamie Osborne
It’s a day for the late call-ups. The versatile Jamie Osborne settles in at outside centre as he makes what will likely be his only appearance on the 2025 Lions tour. Despite being highly unlikely to make a full Test appearance, this will still be a huge occasion for the 23-year-old. He was a surprise call-up by Andy Farrell almost two weeks ago, but he now has a chance to show the world why he is so highly regarded within Irish circles.
Jamie George
Initially overlooked for the tour in favour of his England sparring partner Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George will now have a chance to claim a Test bench spot on Tuesday. Current number two Ronan Kelleher struggled with his darts on Saturday as the Lions’ lineout failed to chug along in the latter stages, so the introduction of the ever-reliable Jamie George could prove to be a perfect piece for the Lions jigsaw.
Lions first Test team
There are various changes expected to the bench for the Lions’ second Test against the Wallabies, but the starting team looks to be secured. It is unlikely that any of the starters from this midweek match will also start on Saturday, so it’s only bench spots that are expected to be fought for.
Losers
Jac Morgan
Despite being arguably the most impressive Lions player during the warm-up matches, Jac Morgan still missed out on Test selection. Andy Farrell, instead, elected to go for the tried and tested Tom Curry, who fully vindicated his starting spot with a 9/10 rated performance against the Wallabies. To make matters even worse for the only Welsh player on the tour, he has now been selected out of position for the midweek match. Former World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier has been selected at seven, while Morgan makes do at six.
Joe McCarthy
Brought off shortly into the second half of the Lions’ first Test against the Wallabies, Andy Farrell later confirmed that the giant Irishman was struggling with plantar fasciitis. He is now in a race against time to ensure he is fit for the second Test.
With both James Ryan and Scott Cummings being given starting spots for this midweek match, it’s unlikely they’ll be issued a starting jersey over McCarthy, but could certainly look to fill Ollie Chessum’s bench spot if he slots into the second-row.
Marcus Smith
Given limited playing time off the bench on Saturday, the Harlequins playmaker failed to make a major impact on the field. Having been utilised primarily at a makeshift full-back for most of the tour, his arrival at fly-half was an interesting one. It felt more out of convenience rather than with any tactical direction. Now issued with only another substitute appearance on Tuesday, the talented Englishman appears to be trusted only to make an impact and not trusted to control a match from the start.
Mack Hansen
With wing selection up for debate, this is the worst time for the chatty Ireland winger to be injured. A firm Andy Farrell favourite, Hansen would surely be in contention for a Test start on Saturday instead of a misfiring Tommy Freeman. As it is, Hansen looks set to miss both Tuesday’s match and the second Test on Saturday.
