Lions team to play Australia: Andy Farrell names XV for first test

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Thursday, 17 July 2025 at 06:33

byRugby Rucker

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at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.

Head coach Andy Farrell names his Lions team to play Australia in the opening test match of the 2025 series.

Scroll down to see the Lions team to play Australia in full. RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

Saracens powerhouse and England skipper Maro Itoje skippers the side from the engine room, locking alongside Leinster and Ireland enforcer Joe McCarthy.

Up front, it's Bristol Bears bulldozer Ellis Genge packing down with Leinster’s dynamic duo – hooker Dan Sheehan and tighthead rock Tadhg Furlong.

In the back row, Leinster’s Jack Conan anchors the scrum at No.8, joined by Munster's versatile Tadhg Beirne on the blindside and Sale Sharks’ breakdown menace Tom Curry at openside.

Leinster livewire Jamison Gibson-Park gets the nod at scrum-half, linking up with Bath magician Finn Russell at fly-half in a mouth-watering half-back pairing.

Scotland's midfield wrecking ball Sione Tuipulotu lines up outside silky centre partner Huw Jones – both from the Glasgow Warriors – while at the back, Ireland’s dependable Hugo Keenan and try-machine James Lowe are joined by Northampton Saints speedster Tommy Freeman to round out an electric back three.

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ANDY FARRELL SAID:

We are entering the business end of the Tour and it is time to put in our best performance to date.

"We know how motivated the Wallabies will be and we know they are a well organised and dangerous side. It is a great occasion and a proud moment for Maro Itoje, who will captain the Test side, but also for those players who get the opportunity to represent the group on Saturday night.

"We have seen a flood of Lions supporters on the streets of Brisbane this week and we are looking forward to seeing a Sea of Red in the stands of the Suncorp Stadium cheering on the team.”

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Lions tour schedule

Friday 20th June: Lions 24-28 Argentina

Saturday 28th June: Western Force 7-54 Lions

Wednesday 2nd July: Reds 12-52 Lions

Saturday 5th July: Waratahs 10-21 Lions

Wednesday 9th July: Brumbies 24-36 Lions

Saturday 12th July: Invitational AUNZ 0-48 Lions

Saturday 19th July: Australia vs Lions (First Test)

Tuesday 22nd July: First Nations and Pasifika XV vs Lions

Saturday 26th July: Australia vs Lions (Second Test)

Saturday 2nd August: Australia vs Lions (Third Test)

CONFIRMED Lions team to play Australia:

5. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #881

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints/England) #858

13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #878

12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #863

11. James Lowe (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #870

10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby/Scotland) #835

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #879

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/England) #859

2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #873

3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #818

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens/England) (C) #825

5. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #871

6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/Ireland) #838

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks/England) #853

8. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #839

Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #864

17. Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #876

18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby/England) #877

19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers/England) #875

20. Ben Earl (Saracens/England) #857

21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England) #860

22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

23. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #837

Hated’ Rugby List

Rugby 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.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE THREE

#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.