Double Blow: Two Starters Ruled Out of Lions Series Opener

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 at 21:09

byRugby Rucker

at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.

Australia have been rocked by the late withdrawal of key forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster Test against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane, according to
The Roar.

Both players sat out the Wallabies’ warm-up win over Fiji with calf issues, but there had been optimism they'd recover in time for the series opener.

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Skelton had declared himself ready earlier in the week, while assistant coach Geoff Parling was “very hopeful” that Valetini — one of Australia’s most destructive ball carriers — would be fit to start.

But in a major setback for new head coach Joe Schmidt, the pair are now expected to miss out.

In Valetini’s absence, Schmidt is set to hand a shock debut to Nick Champion de Crespigny, who has impressed since joining the Western Force from French outfit Castres.

It’s a bold call from Schmidt as Australia brace for a physical battle up front against a powerful Lions pack.

Lions team news:

According to Mail Online, Tom Curry is set to win the most hotly-contested battle in the British & Irish Lions squad – starting at openside flanker for the first Test against Australia this Saturday.

It’s a big call – but not a huge surprise. Curry started all three Tests on the 2021 tour of South Africa, and Farrell – who has called him a "machine" – is said to trust his big-game pedigree.

He’ll be one of four Englishmen in the leaked Lions XV from the Mail Online, joining Tommy Freeman, Ellis Genge, and captain Maro Itoje. But make no mistake: this team is packed with Irish talent.

Here’s the full picture from Mail Online’s leak:

**Leaked Lions XV (via Mail Online):**

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
14. Tommy Freeman (England)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
1. Ellis Genge (England)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
4. Maro Itoje (England, captain)
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
8. Jack Conan (Ireland)
7. Tom Curry (England)

Big calls across the board

With Garry Ringrose ruled out due to a head injury, Huw Jones is expected to slot into the No. 13 jersey, rekindling his formidable midfield partnership with Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu outside Finn Russell.

The back three picks were complicated by injuries to Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen, paving the way for Keenan at fullback and Lowe on the wing – despite patchy form from the latter.

In a surprise twist, Marcus Smith is tipped to take a bench spot, offering versatility at both 10 and 15. That means no place in the 23 for Owen Farrell, even after being called up to replace the injured Elliot Daly. Farrell’s omission suggests that Bundee Aki is Farrell Sr’s preferred option to make a late-game impact in midfield.

Ben Earl and Ollie Chessum are both set to feature on the bench, but young gun Henry Pollock, despite his bold prediction of a 3-0 series win, is reportedly set to miss out on the matchday squad.

The Verdict

If this leak proves accurate, it’s a bold blend of experience and form – with England players filling key roles, but Ireland providing the spine of the side. The real headline? Tom Curry’s return to the Test arena, ready to lead the Lions charge Down Under.

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List

ugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn’t mean every player is a fan favourite.

In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition — whether it’s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being toodamn good.

With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you

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#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.

RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”

#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)

Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.

Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.

RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”

#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship

Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.

Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.

RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”

#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)

Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England

When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.

He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.

RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”

#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)

Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)

Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.

He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.

RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”

#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)

The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking

The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.