Warren Gatland picks his Lions XV as Finn Russell’s ‘calmness’ takes fly-half battle and ex-head coach changes tune on Welsh representation
Warren Gatland while in charge of the British and Irish Lions in 2021, and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell.
Following the conclusion of the Six Nations, Warren Gatland has put together his British and Irish Lions XV to take on the Wallabies.
The former head coach of the touring side, who led the trips in 2013, 2017 and 2021, has unsurprisingly gone for a heavy Ireland presence, but there is also plenty of Scottish and England representation.
Eight come from the 2023 and 2024 Six Nations champions but their issues at the end of the 2025 Championship has opened the door for others.
That includes in the back-row where Wales captain Jac Morgan has forced his way in over the likes of Josh van der Flier at openside flanker.
Gatland’s previous comments on Welsh players
Two years ago, Gatland stated that he would not have any Welsh players if he was selecting the Lions 23 and, although matters have arguably worsened for the national team since then, he believes that Morgan has done enough to make Andy Farrell’s side.
“A selection from the heart. I know the strength of the competition – Josh van der Flier, Rory Darge and the Currys – but I love what Jac can do on both sides of the ball,” Gatland wrote in his Telegraph column.
Another big call from the ex-Wales head coach is at fly-half where he believes that Finn Russell should be given the nod.
Russell had a mixed Six Nations while England’s Fin Smith was perhaps the biggest winner from that tournament, but Gatland reckons that the Scotsman should be in the 10 jersey.
“What edges it for me is his experience and calmness at the minute. I have been really impressed with Fin Smith, and George Ford came on at the end of the game on Saturday and showed his quality,” he wrote.
“It is no secret that I am a massive Marcus Smith fan and I would have him in my 23 because he is the type of player who can change a game in a moment. And then you have Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley so there are plenty of choices.”
Gatland’s selection is based on the premise that they would be playing the Wallabies this weekend, which means some injured players, such as Sione Tuipulotu, have not been considered.
Russell has instead been joined by a different Scottish centre in the backline in the form of Huw Jones, although Gatland states that no one has “really put their hands up and demonstrated that X-factor we would have seen from Brian O’Driscoll and Jonathan Davies when they were in their prime.”
Duhan van der Merwe completes Scotland’s representation after the 61-year-old shifted him from the left to the right wing.
“He has been a dangerous player for years and offers power, finishing and tries. I have also been impressed by Darcy Graham because of his footwork and involvements and there was a promising first start for Tom Roebuck,” Gatland added.
Captaincy
As for the captaincy conundrum, many reckon that it will be between Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris, but Gatland has plumped for the Irishman.
“He might have been a little bit quiet in the last couple of games, but he has been an outstanding forward for Ireland over the last two or three years and has a strong relationship with Andy. I think he will captain the team as well,” he wrote.
“Ben Earl is there but England have a back row where they can all slide around, while Taulupe Faletau has come back from injury to remind us of what a class player he is.”
Although Gatland would prefer to see Doris leading the Lions, he still raved about the performances of Itoje in the Six Nations.
“I think Maro has played some of his best rugby of the past three or four years during this championship,” he added.
“I felt there was a period where he had plateaued a bit and 12 months ago, I was a little bit worried about him because I knew he was quality and wanted to see him dominate the international stage.
“He is doing that now. It looks like the England captaincy has been good for him and I really liked the way he spoke to and dealt with referees during the Six Nations.”
Warren Gatland’s Lions XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Duhan van der Merwe, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Joe McCarthy, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
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