Four Lions Who WON’T Feature in the Test Series vs Australia

While some players have grabbed their chances, others have faltered at the worst possible moment.

Whether it’s form, fitness, or simply being outplayed by teammates, these four big names look set to miss out when the Lions take on the Wallabies in the Test arena.

There was a real sense that Fin Smith needed a standout showing to stay in the mix for the No.10 jersey — especially with Owen Farrell lurking and Marcus Smith offering more versatility.

Instead, the Saints fly-half delivered two underwhelming performances. He looked nervy against Argentina and struggled to control the game against the Waratahs, forcing too much and paying the price with errors.

With Finn Russell locked in and both Farrell and Marcus Smith ahead of him, Fin’s Test hopes have likely faded.

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The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon — but against the Western Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to assert himself and was part of a front row that got bullied.

With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant display the previous week, the Scottish loosehead couldn’t have picked a worse time to fall short. His usual power and edge just weren’t there.

Ireland’s Andrew Porter looks primed to take the bench role, leaving Schoeman on the outside looking in.

Four years ago, Duhan van der Merwe was the Lions’ wrecking ball. But this tour, he’s looked sluggish, short on sharpness, and lacking his usual cutting edge.

Injuries have clearly disrupted his preparation, and it’s shown. Defensively vulnerable and ineffective in attack, he’s lost serious ground.

With James Lowe and Tommy Freeman both impressing, it’s hard to see how Duhan forces his way back into the Test conversation in time.

Few positions are more hotly contested than openside flanker — and Tom Curry just hasn’t done enough to separate himself. Against the Brumbies, he worked hard and managed an assist, but it wasn’t clean.

Turnovers, penalties, and a second-half fade led to an early substitution. Meanwhile, Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier are ticking all the boxes, and Ben Earl’s versatility adds even more value.

Curry’s class is undeniable, but on current form, he looks set to miss the Test 23.