The British and Irish Lions first Test team to face Australia in Brisbane has been confirmed, with head coach Andy Farrell naming a starting line-up that has already made history. This selection is a striking mix of familiar names and bold calls, with the side kicking off at 11:00 BST on Saturday 19 July at Suncorp Stadium.
For the first time ever in a Test against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, the Lions will field an all‑Scottish axis at fly-half and in the centres. Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones start together, giving the backline a cutting edge that has caught the eye across the Home Nations. Ireland provide eight starters, with England supplying four more and plenty of strength on the bench. Wales, however, are absent from the 23, a first since 1896, as Jac Morgan narrowly missed out despite impressing on tour. Farrell admitted selection was tight, calling it “as close as you could imagine”.
In the pack, Tom Curry edges out Morgan and Josh van der Flier for the openside berth, while Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne claims the blindside role ahead of England’s Ollie Chessum, who joins the replacements. Jack Conan completes a seasoned back row that featured in the Test series against South Africa four years ago. Farrell spoke about balance and experience being key for this opening match, praising Beirne’s ability in the set-piece and around the park. England’s Henry Pollock, the youngest member of the tour, also missed out despite strong performances, with Ben Earl and Chessum among the replacements instead.
At full-back, Hugo Keenan lines up with Tommy Freeman and James Lowe on the wings. Jamison Gibson-Park joins Russell at half-back. The front row of Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong will be backed by Joe McCarthy and captain Maro Itoje in the second row. Owen Farrell, despite a late call-up, doesn’t feature in the 23 after limited action mid‑tour, while Blair Kinghorn remains sidelined through injury.
Supporters can follow every moment of the match with live text commentary and post‑match analysis on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer, as well as live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Readers who want more on how sport connects to life across the capital, check out our recent piece on Rory McIlroy refreshed ahead of the Scottish Open for more insight into top‑level competition.
For more updates on the British and Irish Lions first Test team and further insights throughout the series, visit EyeOnLondon – and we’d love to hear your views in the comments on who you think will stand out in Brisbane.
[Image Credit | TNT Sports]
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