Back in 2021, England legend Will Greenwood shifted focus to the 2025 venture to Australia, highlighting the promising young talents who could make the XV.
With an eye on a dynamic starting 23 for the first Test against the Wallabies, featuring rapid backs and robust forwards, Greenwood emphasised the necessity of rejuvenation after the setbacks in South Africa.
Guiding the squad, Greenwood proposes Gregor Townsend as head coach, supported by Ronan O’Gara and Steve Borthwick. Despite offensive struggles against the Springboks, Greenwood trusts in Townsend’s ability to ignite the team’s attacking prowess.
Greenwood shared his thoughts, saying, “The 2021 tour was captivating, but now it’s time to focus on 2025 and the young talents who could shine in Australia.”
Below we revisit the team he picked following the 2021 tour.
Hugo Keenan (Ireland) Greenwood praises Keenan’s potential, foreseeing growth in wisdom and composure over the next four years, establishing him as a premier European full-back. “I love Keenan,” Greenwood remarks. “After another four years of Irish rugby, he will be wiser and more composed; the leading European full-back.”
Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) Despite limited opportunities in South Africa, Greenwood sees Rees-Zammit’s electric pace as a game-changing asset, honed through standout performances for Gloucester and Wales. “In the short periods he did feature, you could tell there was a star in the making,” Greenwood notes.
Garry Ringrose (Ireland) Highlighted for his innate class and defensive prowess, Ringrose aims to seize his last chance at Lions selection in 2025 after enduring injuries and fluctuating form. “He is an inherent class act who defends astutely and runs devilish angles,” Greenwood observes.
Cameron Redpath (Scotland) Expected to return to top form post-injury, Redpath’s standout performances for Scotland mark him as a potential key figure in the midfield. “I expect him to return to that sort of form when he returns to full fitness,” Greenwood predicts.