McCarthy Out: Nine Irish Players Start Second Lions Test
Farrell Backs Irish Powerhouse as Lions Target Series Clincher in Melbourne
andy Farrell has unleashed an Irish-dominated starting XV for saturday’s crucial second Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne, signaling his intent to seal the series with a game to spare. Nine Irish stars feature in the starting lineup, a clear statement of confidence from the head coach as the British & Irish Lions aim to build on their opening test victory.
Despite the absence of Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen due to foot injuries, Farrell has opted for an overwhelming Irish presence across the matchday 23, with 11 Ireland internationals set to feature. This represents an increase from the eight Irish starters in the previous week’s encounter, underscoring Farrell’s belief in the core of his Irish contingent.
The second row sees a shift, with McCarthy’s injury paving the way for an all-English pairing of Ollie Chessum and Maro Itoje. However, the front row remains a formidable Irish unit, with Andrew Porter coming in at loosehead prop, pushing Ellis Genge to the bench. Farrell’s decision to bring porter into the starting lineup, alongside hooker Dan Sheehan and tighthead Tadhg Furlong, all Leinster teammates, suggests a desire for greater explosiveness from the outset.
The back row is unchanged, with the dominant trio of Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan, supported by Tom Curry, retained after their notable performance at Suncorp Stadium.
In the midfield, Farrell has opted for a new partnership, with bundee Aki replacing Sione Tuipulotu. Aki will link up with Huw Jones,who has secured his spot ahead of Garry Ringrose. The remainder of the backline remains the same, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell continuing their half-back partnership, and the back three of James Lowe, Tommy Freeman, and full-back Hugo Keenan all retaining their places.
The bench also sees significant alterations, reflecting Farrell’s desire for greater impact from his replacements. James Ryan is set to make his Lions Test debut, filling the void left by Chessum. Jac Morgan is preferred over Ben Earl as the back-row substitute, while Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn also come onto the bench, having both played 80 minutes in the midweek victory against the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
British and Irish Lions: Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum; Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, James ryan, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Blair Kinghorn.
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