The Lions tour of Australia in 2025 could be set to break new ground, with an additional Test being currently considered for the series.
The revealed that the 2025 tour could incorporate a fourth Test against Argentina.
Rather than travel to Argentina, however, the Lions would face Los Pumas on Australian soil.
“It would not be possible to stage a full tour of Argentina but we are keen to have them involved and they are keen to play us.” A Lions source told The Telegraph
“A game against them in Australia could add an extra dimension to the tour.”
Sir Clive Woodward selects his Lions XV
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
- 14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
- 11. Anthony Watson (England)
Woodward said: "On the wings young Louis Rees-Zammit and Anthony Watson, returning from injury, have been on fire."
DID YOU KNOW? In 2012, following his Scotland debut, Stuart Hogg discovered he was a distant relative of George Best. A close relative of Best recognised the link after seeing Hogg play on television
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (England)
- 12. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
DID YOU KNOW? Henry Slade is the great nephew of former Portsmouth F.C. footballer Geoff Williamson.
HALFBACKS:
- 10. Owen Farrell (England)
- 9. Gareth Davies (Wales)
Woodward said: "To beat South Africa, I believe you will need either Owen Farrell or Jonny Sexton at 10 and I’ve gone with Farrell, who among other things, seems to steer clear of serious injury."
DID YOU KNOW? Owen was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin
FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Rory Sutherland (Scotland)
- 2. Ken Owens (Wales)
- 3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
DID YOU KNOW? On 5 August 2019, Ken Owens was inducted into the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Llanrwst
SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) - Captain
- 5. Maro Itoje (England)
Woodward said: "Jones may have missed out on the Grand Slam but the Wales captain is my choice to lead the Lions against South Africa in the summer."
DID YOU KNOW? Alun Wyn Jones was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to rugby union football in Wales
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- 7. Tom Curry (England)
- 8. Justin Tipuric (Wales)
Woodward said: " I’m not prepared to leave Tadhg Beirne out, but want Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje to form a second row partnership, so I’m playing the Irishman at blindside flanker. Tom Curry starts at seven, and I’m going to take a risk and start Justin Tipuric at No 8."
DID YOU KNOW? Tom Curry became the youngest player to start at flanker for England when he made his debut in 2017
