Farrell Names Strong Lions Side for Brumbies Clash Ahead of Australia Test
Andy Farrell has selected his most competitive British & Irish Lions lineup yet for the squad’s final warm-up match before facing Australia in Brisbane. Most of the team's key players have been included in the starting XV against the ACT Brumbies, suggesting this fixture serves as preparation for the first Test.
The first-choice half-back pairing of Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park will start, joined by Irish centers Bundee Aki and Gary Ringrose. Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn is at full-back, with Tommy Freeman and James Lowe on the wings.
Farrell’s preferred pack for the upcoming Test against Australia is taking shape, with captain Maro Itoje partnering Joe McCarthy in the second row. Ellis Genge starts at loosehead prop, while Tadhg Furlong is preferred over Will Stuart at tighthead. The back row features England’s Ollie Chessum and Tom Curry alongside Ireland’s Jack Conan at No 8.
Henry Pollock, who missed the last game due to a calf issue, returns among the replacements, as does winger Mack Hansen, who grew up in Canberra and will now face his former home team. Farrell anticipates a tough match and highlighted the Brumbies’ strong Super Rugby form along with their 2013 win over the Lions.
“This will be a significant challenge, given the Brumbies’ recent performances,” Farrell said. “It’s also a special moment for Mack Hansen, back in his hometown representing the Lions.”
As expected, the squad’s latest addition, Owen Farrell, is not involved but could feature in the next match against an Invitational Australia & New Zealand XV on Saturday.
British & Irish Lions: Kinghorn; Freeman, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Genge, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje (capt), McCarthy, Chessum, Curry, Conan.
Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Van der Flier, Pollock, Mitchell, M Smith, Hansen.
Read next
Weekly Sports Quiz: Focus on Harry Kane, Victor Wembanyama, and WSL Champions
Local Community Efforts Drive Environmental Change
In a small town nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, residents have taken it upon themselves to spearhead a movement aimed at fostering environmental sustainability. This grassroots initiative is drawing attention for its comprehensive approach to tackling ecological challenges.
At the heart of
France and US Reign in Rapid and Blitz at Pall Mall Masters Chess Event
Mastering chess in central London is uncommon, though the annual ChessFest in Trafalgar Square draws over 20,000 visitors.
In London's Pall Mall club scene, the RAC clubhouse has been the site for the Oxford vs. Cambridge Varsity match for nearly fifty years. In 2023, the Athenaeum hosted
Indiana Fever and the Magasphere: A Risky Route to Fame for a WNBA Team
The Indiana Fever's season has concluded, marked by both its on-court performance and off-court controversies. Despite being eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces for the second consecutive year, the team has drawn significant attention, becoming a focal point in the WNBA this season.
The Fever'