Leaked Lions team to play Australia in second test, four changes expected

byRugby Rucker

Andy Farrell looks set to roll with the same Test stars that got the job done in style last weekend. After a convincing win in the First Test, the Lions boss isn’t keen on fixing what’s clearly not broken.

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? Midweek Mayhem: Lions Just Edge It

The Lions wrapped up their final midweek clash with a far-from-comfortable 24-19 win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV. A squeaky one, and certainly not the kind of performance that shook up the Test team pecking order.

? Waiting on McCarthy’s Medical Pass

Farrell’s hoping to get a green light from the medics for Joe McCarthy to start in the second row. If he’s fit enough for 50-60 minutes, don’t expect any changes up front for the Melbourne showdown.

But if McCarthy doesn’t make it? Ollie Chessum is ready to step into the engine room. The rest of the starting XV looks locked in, with just three tweaks expected on the bench.

? O’Gara: No Headaches Here

told

Sky Sports the midweek match didn’t exactly stir up a selection storm — in fact, quite the opposite:

"After the second half of the First Test, there were a lot of chances for boys tonight to grasp the opportunity of playing in the second Test, but this performance has made things easier for Andy Farrell.

It was a stop-start performance at best, it was clunky. There was so much to play and there was a little bit of forcing it from the Lions."

Translation: opportunity missed.

? Biggar on Farrell vs… Farrell

Asked whether Owen Farrell had done enough to nudge his way into the Test team, Dan Biggar wasn’t convinced:

"If you look at the AUNZ game, that made it more difficult for Farrell ahead of the first Test," Biggar told Sky Sports.

"I don’t think there was much chance the starting team would change that much, players tonight were playing for places on the bench. It’s very difficult for Andy Farrell to change that winning XV.

Where do the Lions need cover, where did they need cover last Saturday? It was at 10 and 15. Kinghorn has just come back and played 80 minutes, so now they probably need cover at 10 and 12, and one of the best players on the park today was Owen Farrell. So that opens that debate!"

Owen Farrell for the bench? The door’s not closed — it’s just creaking.

? Expected Lions XV – Second Test vs Australia

Backline
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Mack Hansen
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. James Lowe
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park

Pack

Ellis Genge
Dan Sheehan
Tadhg Furlong
Maro Itoje
Ollie Chessum (if McCarthy ruled out)
Tadhg Beirne
Tom Curry
Jack Conan

Finishers
16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Andrew Porter
18. Will Stuart
19. Scott Cummings
20. Ben Earl
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Owen Farrell
23. Blair Kinghorn

“Undroppable” – Five Lions Who’ve Emerged as Genuine Test Contenders

The British & Irish Lions secured another midweek victory as debutant Jamie Osborne crossed for two tries in a dominant performance against the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.

Here’s a look at who might have pushed themselves into contention for the Test 23.

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? The General Returns – Owen Farrell

Position: Inside Centre / Fly-Half
Tours: 4th Lions Tour ???

Verdict:
Back in the saddle and straight into command. Starting his first game of the tour, Farrell led the midweek Lions from 12 with trademark authority. His dink over the top set up Jamie Osborne’s second try, and his composure cemented his value as a squad leader. Farrell’s ability to cover 10 and 12 puts real pressure on Marcus Smith for the playmaker bench spot.

Planet Rugby 8/10: "The best of the Lions today as he vindicated the coaches’ decision to call him up. He pitched in with two try assists and caused all kinds of havoc for the First Nations and Pasifika XV defence. His first assist was a sharp spot of the lack of backfield cover as he put in a pinpoint chip over the top, with his weaker foot, to make the most of it. His show and go in the second half paid dividends for Van der Merwe. Skippering the Lions for the first time, Farrell rose to the occasion and may well still have something to say in the Test series."

FloRugby 8.5/10: "Directed traffic with assurance and supported Fin Smith well. His kick for Osborne’s try was world-class—executed off his weaker foot. Read the defence smartly, exploiting gaps with grubbers and short balls. His disguised pass to van der Merwe created a vital score. Led with intelligence, and this composed, tactical showing bolsters his case as a steadying force in the backline."

? Still the most natural field marshal in the squad.

? Puzzle Piece in Motion – Garry Ringrose

Position: Outside Centre / Wing
Caps: 58 for Ireland ??

Verdict:
Called into action early after Darcy Graham’s injury, Ringrose slotted in seamlessly, pushing Osborne to the wing and linking impressively with Farrell. After missing the first Test with concussion, he showed no rust—defensively sound, slick in attack, and a tactician's dream.

? Could displace Huw Jones at 13 or offer dynamic bench cover.

? The Gambler – Blair Kinghorn

Position: Full-Back / Wing / Fly-Half
Club: Toulouse ??

Verdict:
Back from a knee injury and back under scrutiny. Kinghorn produced moments of danger—but two intercepted passes, including one leading to a try, will raise eyebrows. Farrell's post-match comments about “exhibition rugby” may have been pointed.

Rugby Pass 7/10: "Back from injury and vying for a Test spot, the Scot had little in the way of defensive work in the first half, but had a few decent upfield gallops. Threw a careless pass that was duly intercepted by Reilly for the home side’s first try. Made up for it with a bobby-dazzler of a pass to put Osborne in."

FloRugby 7.5/10: "A mixed outing but one filled with attacking highlights. Made multiple line breaks and delivered a sensational long ball for Osborne’s try. Led all Lions in meters made with over 100 and set up a try with his offload skills. However, an intercept pass and inconsistent aerial work may hurt his test chances. Offers unique skills but remains a high-risk option."

? Still offers value as a utility back, but trust may be fraying.

? Hook, Line... Not Quite Sinker – Jamie George

Position: Hooker
Lions Tours: 3rd Appearance ???

Verdict:
The dependable veteran showed his value at set-piece, possibly edging Ronan Kelleher in the race for back-up hooker. Threw 26 lineouts with only three lost—not perfect, but solid. Playing 73 minutes may weigh against him, but his experience counts for plenty.

Planet Rugby 7/10: "The seasoned hooker was exactly as you’d expect. Accurate with his lineout throws, busy around the park and set a high standard. Will be livid with the scrum going backwards in the first half but that came right eventually. A few errors with ball in hand but that comes with the work-rate. Put his hand for further involvement on Saturday, but considering how deep into the game he went, it looks unlikely. His throws started to go wayward in the latter stages of the game, which hurt his score."

? Reliable, if not riveting. Knows how to navigate Lions Tests.

?️ The Lineout Architect – Scott Cummings

Position: Lock
Nation: Scotland ?
Club: Glasgow Warriors

Verdict:
A towering presence and a technician’s dream. Cummings was superb around the park—commanding at the lineout, tireless in the tackle, and dynamic with ball in hand. His speed off the ground and athleticism turned restarts into near-certain Lions possession. With Joe McCarthy potentially sidelined, Cummings isn’t just in the conversation—he’s banging on the Test door with both fists.

BALLS 8/10: "Was a reliable target in some early lineouts before things got shaky. Good counter-ruck forced a turnover, and blocked a box-kick. One lineout steal and eight clean takes."

? A workhorse with precision. Just what the Test engine room may need.