Beirne Starts Among Eight Irish Lions Test Opener
Lions Back row Shake-Up: Beirne Claims No. 6 as Curry Edges Out Rivals for No. 7
Adelaide, Australia – british and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled his starting XV for the first Test, featuring a meaningful shift in the back row with Tadhg Beirne reclaiming the blindside flanker jersey.The Munster captain, who had been in a tight contest with Ollie Chessum, delivered a standout performance in Saturday’s victory over the AUNZ Invitational XV, securing his place at number 6.
Curry Secures Openside, Van der Flier Misses Out
In a fiercely contested battle for the openside flanker position, Tom Curry has emerged victorious. This means disappointment for Ireland’s josh van der Flier,as well as Wales’ jac Morgan and England’s Henry Pollock. Ben Earl’s versatility has earned him a spot on the bench, providing crucial cover at number 8 for Jack Conan.
Front Row Stability and Second Row Partnership
The veteran Tadhg Furlong returns to fitness and form, earning his seventh consecutive Lions Test start at tighthead prop. Dan Sheehan is the expected choice at hooker, completing a formidable front row. Ellis Genge has been selected ahead of Andrew Porter at loosehead, with Porter and Rónan Kelleher named as replacements, alongside Will Stuart, who has fended off competition from Finlay Bealham for a bench spot.
In the second row, Joe McCarthy partners captain Maro Itoje, with Chessum providing cover from the bench. James Ryan and Scott Cummings have not made the matchday 23.
Center of Attention: Jones and Tuipulotu Pair Up
With Garry Ringrose sidelined through injury, Farrell has opted for the established Scottish centre combination of Huw jones and Sione Tuipulotu. Tuipulotu gets the nod ahead of Ireland’s Bundee Aki, who is named among the replacements.
Keenan at Fullback, Familiar Wingers and Half-Back Pairing
Hugo Keenan starts at fullback, deputising for the injured Blair Kinghorn. He is joined in the backfield by James Lowe on the left wing and Tommy Freeman on the right.The half-back pairing sees Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half and Finn Russell at fly-half. While Owen Farrell was rumoured to be considered for a bench spot as an experienced out-half option, Farrell has placed his faith in Marcus Smith to provide cover and potentially close out the first Test.
British and Irish Lions Starting XV:
Fullback: Hugo Keenan
Wingers: James Lowe, Tommy Freeman
Centres: Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu
half-backs: Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park
Back Row: tadhg Beirne, tom Curry, Jack Conan
Second Row: Joe McCarthy, Maro Itoje
* Front Row: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong
Replacements:
Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Bundee Aki.