The 2025 Six Nations has been a proving ground for players hoping to impress Andy Farrell ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour.
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While some have enhanced their reputations, others have seen their stock plummet. These five players were tipped as potential Lions contenders but have endured a tournament to forget.
1. Finn Russell – Kicking Chaos
A veteran playmaker with over 80 caps for Scotland, Russell has been a talismanic figure for his country, known for his audacious attacking play.
However, his Six Nations form has been far from his best. The Bath fly-half has recorded the worst placekicking stats of any No.10 in the tournament, raising serious doubts about his reliability under pressure.
Andy Farrell prefers a steady hand at fly-half, and with young talents like Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast stepping up, Russell’s Lions dream might be slipping away.
2. Marcus Smith – Experiment Failed
Once seen as England’s future at fly-half, the 25-year-old Harlequins star has found himself in an unfamiliar role at fullback this Six Nations.
Steve Borthwick’s controversial decision to deploy him at 15 backfired, with Smith struggling to influence games. After two underwhelming performances, he was dropped for the Round 4 clash against Italy.
England legend Brian Moore has suggested that Borthwick’s tactics could cost Smith a place in the Lions squad, with his fly-half rivals staking stronger claims.
3. Josh Adams – Off His Game
A key figure in Wales’ attack since his debut in 2018, the 29-year-old Cardiff winger was the top try-scorer in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and has been a reliable finisher at Test level.
However, this Six Nations has been a disaster for Adams. His normally clinical finishing has deserted him, with multiple try-scoring chances going to waste.
Wales’ poor tournament hasn’t helped, but Adams’ individual performances have done little to strengthen his case for a Lions call-up.
4. George Martin – Outshone and Out of Luck
The Leicester Tigers lock was England’s breakout star in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, delivering a monstrous performance in the semi-final against South Africa.
However, his Six Nations campaign has been a disappointment. England have looked stronger with Ollie Chessum in the second row, and Martin’s struggles have raised questions about his ability to dominate at the highest level.
With injury now ruling him out for the rest of the tournament, his chances of making the Lions squad have taken a major hit.
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Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Bookmakers have released their predictions for the British & Irish Lions’ starting XV to face Australia in the 2025 tour, highlighting a squad dominated by Irish talent and featuring only one English starter.
The anticipated lineup, along with the latest odds for each position, is as follows:
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
