This is the Lions team Andy Farrell must pick for first Test – and why the most crucial player isn’t who you might think: CHRIS FOY

Andy Farrell has been emphasising for weeks that nationality is not a factor when it comes to his Lions selection thinking, but it makes sense to capitalise on the benefit of established combinations.

Midfield has become a primary area of intrigue during the first half of this tour and now the dilemma faced by the head coach and his assistants has become even more acute, given the removal of Garry Ringrose from first Test contention. Ireland’s outside centre had been playing the house down – before suffering a concussion in the win over the Brumbies – but he’s not the only one.

Huw Jones did more than enough in the demolition of the feeble Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV in Adelaide to nail down his inclusion in the series opener against the Wallabies in Brisbane next Saturday. It was noticeable that when Owen Farrell was deployed from the bench, the starting No 13 made way and Sione Tuipulotu shifted out to the wider channel. It felt as if Jones had already done enough and he was being removed to keep him out of harm’s way.

While Andy Farrell was adamant that the two Glasgow and Scotland centres do not come as a job-lot in selection terms, it would be logical to proceed on that basis. Jones’s likely role in the starting side against Australia should swing the debate over the other place Tuipulotu’s way, despite the thunderous ball-carrying exploits of Bundee Aki.

Of course, the head coach wants to project the notion of fluid thinking, but cohesion is vital and with such limited training time up to this point, existing connections can count for a lot. Finn Russell is a nailed-on certainty to wear the 10 shirt, so if Jones is two places further out, put Tuipulotu between them. That trio so often wreak havoc together for Scotland and they can do so for the Lions. When the heat is on, they know each other’s games inside-out. They should click.

Deploying that familiar 10-12-13 is an absolute ‘no-brainer’. Tuipulotu has not had quite the same route-one impact as Aki in the last few weeks, but he is more capable of bringing the best out of Jones and having a telepathic understanding with Russell. In contrast, Aki made metres in the win over the Brumbies, but undermined his contribution with hit-and-miss handling. He offers a breakdown presence, but on balance Tuipulotu has a more rounded repertoire.

Unleash the three Scots together and the Lions can pose a multi-dimensional threat out wide. What will be of additional interest will be the bench cover in this area. Owen Farrell’s assured first outing – in defiance of a disrupted season – means he is very much in the mix, as is Marcus Smith. But despite being an out-and-out centre without real utility value, Aki could emerge as an option among the replacements, as he has been for Ireland.

So many debates will rumble on over the coming days. Various places could be up for grabs. There remains a suspicion that Farrell snr will default to the Irish players he knows best, but the hope must be that to preserve squad morale and unity, it is not seen as a green XV with a few outside guests.

Some of the Leinster and Ireland stalwarts regarded as Test shoo-ins have not done enough to earn untouchable status. Jack Conan is one of them. Yes, he is the only specialist No 8 in the tour party, but his performances have been eclipsed by those of Ben Earl, who was magnificent on Saturday.

If the Lions – as is likely – line up with Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy and Ollie Chessum as the locks and blindside flanker, there is sufficient physical presence to allow for a lighter No 8. On that basis, Earl deserves to be genuinely considered as a starting option, rather just as a possible bench inclusion as a versatile back-rower.

Left wing and scrum-half are other positions where there should be a meaningful selection debate – not just a sign-off for the perceived favourite. At this stage, Alex Mitchell has out-performed Jamison Gibson-Park and faltering James Lowe has been over-shadowed by fellow Irish import Mack Hansen. The latter man and Tommy Freeman are the on-song wings.

No assumptions should be allowed to take hold inside the walls of the Lions camp, when it comes to the scramble for coveted Test places. Once Andy Farrell and his squad are settled in Brisbane and actually have proper training time for a change, the players should feel like there are still points to be scored amid heightened tension before the line-up is finalised.

Various parts of the selection equation have changed in the last week and here is this column’s latest suggested side (*indicates change since column last week)…

Full-back: Hugo Keenan* (Ire). Did enough in Adelaide to show he is hitting his stride and Blair Kinghorn will need to recover and prove his fitness before challenging again.

Right wing: Mack Hansen* (Ire). His sheer effort, energy and relentless drive to make an impact in attack and defence put him ahead of James Lowe as one of the form wings.

Outside centre: Huw Jones (Sco). Came on to the tour short of game-time and form, but he has surged into top gear with perfect timing. Such a multi-purpose midfield asset.

Inside centre: Sione Tuipulotu (Sco). Offers physicality, quality distribution, a kicking game, leadership and communication, plus a proven connection with the men either side.

Left wing: Tommy Freeman (Eng). This scenario involves him switching to the left, but he has the capacity to cope with that demand. Has been flying for months. Prolific.

Fly-half: Finn Russell (Sco). No debate needed. He is operating at the peak of his powers and playing with the imperious air of a man who feels trusted to run the show.

Scrum-half: Alex Mitchell* (Eng). To hell with the perceived hierarchy, he is in top form and has had so much game-time on this tour that he can deliver the game-plan.

Loosehead prop: Ellis Genge (Eng). One of the best performers of the 2025 crusade so far. Has been impressive with his set-piece work and with some vintage carrying.

Hooker: Dan Sheehan (Ire). This guy is at the upper end of world-class. What an all-round talent he is. No doubt about his status as the first-choice hooker in the series.

Tighthead prop: Tadhg Furlong* (Ire). Ireland’s mighty Lions legend has upped his game in the nick of time to justify being chosen ahead of compatriot Finlay Bealham.

Lock (4): Maro Itoje (Eng. capt). Would have been a huge shock if this wasn’t a certainty and he took care of any doubts with a command performance in win over Reds.

Lock (5): Joe McCarthy (Ire). Tadhg Beirne delivered a strong audition in Adelaide, but McCarthy has the imposing presence and power to stand up to giant Will Skelton.

Blindside flanker: Ollie Chessum* (Eng). His assertive contribution against the Brumbies thrust him ahead of Tom Curry – just – as he can help to balance the back five.

Openside flanker: Jac Morgan (Wal). Arguably the most competitive position of all but the Wales captain’s jackal work and relentless impact give him the edge.

No 8: Ben Earl* (Eng). There is a widespread belief that Jack Conan is a certainty here because he is the only specialist on tour, but Earl has done more to earn start.

Utterly unsuitable Lions prep

The Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV turned out to be an abject rabble and utterly unsuitable opposition for the Lions, a week out from the first Test. They had looked so good on paper, but they turned out to be dire on grass. It was no surprise that they lacked fluency as a cobbled-together side, but there were times when they appeared to lack effort too and that is unforgiveable. 

Given how the Waratahs and Brumbies had thrown the proverbial kitchen sink at the Lions in the preceding fixtures – despite being significantly weakened – it highlights the enduring truth in rugby that there has to be emotional edge and intensity to go with all the skill and fitness. Put simply; they have to want it. 

A meaningful, collective cause helps, whether that is based on civic pride and passion or a mood of defiance after being written off as easy prey. Players will raise themselves to represent their people and a badge which has history and tradition, and contrived line-ups don’t offer that motivational dimension. Hordes of Kiwis turned up in Adelaide, so the concept has some potential, but not when preparation time is so limited and not against the Lions. Only proper, proven teams should be approved to stand in the firing line.

A real buzz about Adelaide

Adelaide proved be a popular stop-off on this Lions tour and a fleeting highlight for those who are criss-crossing Australia for the whole, six-week odyssey. The enlarged, revamped Adelaide Oval is acclaimed as one of the finest cricket grounds in the world and it was a grand location for the last pre-series fixture. 

The venue is modern but retains historical elements. It is also easily accessible for those crossing the river from the city centre barely half a mile away, while the nearby cathedral and parklands provide a scenic backdrop. 

There was a real buzz about the place as large crowds gathered on matchday, and the local authorities put every effort into promoting the event to residents who are far more familiar with Aussie Rules Football and cricket. Adelaide seized its moment to celebrate a landmark rugby occasion and the smart, well-staffed new airport added to the convenience factor for travelling spectators. It is bound to prove a popular destination for visitors coming for the Ashes cricket Test later this year – as well as for the next Rugby World Cup in 2027.

Time to visit the South Pacific 

Fiji were cruelly, controversially denied a famous win over Australia in Newcastle on July 6, so they took out their frustrations on Scotland in Suva – deservedly beating the visitors 29-14. But at least the Scots showed up in the South Pacific, as was acknowledged by their grateful hosts. 

Other members of rugby’s cosy establishment should follow this example by visiting the island nations who give so much to the sport, despite all the financial and logistical challenges they have to overcome. For instance, England haven’t been in that part of the world since 1991 and it is high time that the wealthiest union agreed to send their national team to Fiji and Samoa at least – with Tonga sadly lacking the infrastructure to host major matches. But it won’t happen. 

There’s no chance of others doing what the Scots have done, given that the Nations Championship is launching next year. That new, unwieldy global league is set to deny smaller countries like Fiji any home Tests for years to come. How typical of rugby authorities to look after the haves at the expense of the have-nots.

Still seats up for grabs on Tour 

Last Word – The Test series is now looming and here is some shock news from Down Under; it’s not sold out. Not even close. Around 15,000 seats remain available for the second Test in Melbourne and there are still loads on offer in Brisbane and Sydney too. 

The trouble is that prices are sky-high for many of the tickets which haven’t been snapped up – more than £300 for platinum category seats – and it is STILL not possible for residents of the UK and Ireland to book them without signing up for a full, costly travel package. 

On this basis, it is no great surprise that the demographic of the Red Army so far has been on the older and – presumably – wealthier side. 

It will be fascinating to see if younger fans pour in for the Tests or whether it’s been priced out of their reach. Having been here as a spectator in 2001, when the mass-invasion phenomenon began, it is a far cry from the noisy, boisterous atmosphere which existed during that series, when there was endless singing, chanting and banter in the crowd. 

It would be a desperate pity if a craving to maximise profits leads to these marquee matches being played out in front of stands which are not rammed to capacity, as was widely assumed to be inevitable. 

The perception for months has been that all seats had been taken, so the discovery that demand has not matched supply will jar with the claims of unprecedented Lions mania. There was a chance for this tour to go down in folklore as the one when a 100,000 crowd watched a Test, at the iconic MCG. If they fall a long way short of that, there needs to be a major inquest and a conscious decision to make the event more affordable in future.