Ronan O’Gara has named his British & Irish Lions XV — and it’s already raising eyebrows.
The former Munster maestro has made the bold call to leave out Irish stars Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong from his starting team, opting instead to unleash them from the bench.
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"Where are Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan?"
O'Gara acknowledged on Sky Sports:
“They’re the two best in the world in their positions. But for me, it’s about finishing strong. Test matches are usually in the balance in the final 10 minutes. You want your big guns on then, not gassed by 60.”
“They’re the two best in the world in their positions. But for me, it’s about finishing strong. Test matches are usually in the balance in the final 10 minutes. You want your big guns on then, not gassed by 60.”
It’s a selection philosophy rooted in closing out contests — a tactical twist that leans on impact over optics.
“I just think I’d rather finish with the strongest XV than start with it. It’s tight margins — maybe they can go the full 80, but this gives me more control late on,” O'Gara added.
Familiarity Breeds Contention
In the back row, O’Gara sticks with Ireland’s tried-and-tested trio of Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, and Jack Conan, with England’s Ben Earl and rising star Henry Pollock primed to inject pace and versatility off the bench.
“I’ve gone for cohesion there. Earl and Pollock? Hybrid threats. They can even cover centre if needed. Huge value.”
Andrew Porter gets the nod at loosehead, praised by ROG as an “exceptional” option — but it’s the omission of Furlong that continues to dominate conversation.
Aki Gets the 12 Shirt — and the Green Light
Bundee Aki partners Huw Jones in the midfield, a power-and-guile combo O’Gara believes will thrive in the pressure cooker of a Lions Test.
“There’s a big debate at 12 — Aki, Tuipulotu — but for me, Aki’s the best in the world at the gain-line. When he gets you going forward, everything flows. He puts the front-five in business for second-phase ball. That wins games.”
At full-back, it’s a no-brainer: Hugo Keenan retains the 15 shirt, while Tommy Freeman and James Lowe complete the back three. Finn Russell steers the ship at 10, with Jamison Gibson-Park providing tempo at scrum-half.
The Farrell Factor
One of the most interesting calls is Owen Farrell's spot on the bench.
“Utility cover,” O’Gara says simply. “He’s smart, adaptable. He can steer the ship if needed.”
ROG's Lions XV:
Starting XV:
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Huw Jones
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Huw Jones
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
- Ellis Genge
- Ronan Kelleher
- Will Stuart
- Maro Itoje (c)
- Joe McCarthy
- Tadhg Beirne
- Josh van der Flier
- Jack Conan
Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan
17. Andrew Porter
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. James Ryan
20. Ben Earl
21. Henry Pollock
22. Alex Mitchell
23. Owen Farrell
16. Dan Sheehan
17. Andrew Porter
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. James Ryan
20. Ben Earl
21. Henry Pollock
22. Alex Mitchell
23. Owen Farrell
Editors Picks:
- Sir Clive Woodward snubs Earl and Pollock when naming his Lions XV for first test
- 1/10: Three Springboks who flopped against Italy despite big win
- Everyone saying the same thing about Owen Farrell’s Lions cameo
- 3/10: All Blacks star given brutal player rating despite big win against France
Four Lions stars who flopped against AUNZ XV
While the Lions cruised to a dominant 48-0 victory over the AUNZ XV, not every player impressed. Here are four stars whose performances fell short — and whose test hopes now look bleak despite the big win.
Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick as the British and Irish Lions ran in eight tries in a rout of the AUNZ Invitational XV in their last game before the first Test against the Wallabies next weekend.
On an eventful night in Adelaide Owen Farrell came on as a second-half substitute, with news also emerging of a head injury to Garry Ringrose, putting him in danger of missing the match in Brisbane on Saturday.
Below, we look at four players who failed to impress.
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#1. Pierre Schoeman
Schoeman impressed in open play with strong carries and physicality but struggled at the scrum, conceding multiple free kicks for poor technique. His inconsistency at set-piece remains a key issue as test selection nears.
FloRugby 4/10: "Got busy in the loose as he got on the ball for some big rumbles. His shaky work at scrum time is what is holding him back, as he conceded a few free kicks for not driving straight. Schoeman offered solid carries and physicality in open play, but his inconsistency at the set-piece remains a concern as test selection draws nearer."
#2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
Cowan-Dickie combined aggressive breakdown work with costly technical flaws, including an early line-out overthrow and an injury from a reckless low tackle. His physical presence was notable, but errors undermined his impact with him now ruled out of next week's series opener.
FloRugby 4/10: "Line-out overthrow in minute four dented a decent start. Exceptionally physical around the breakdown, notably clearing out two defenders to allow Ben White's try. His injury in the 36th minute was the result of his notorious low-tackling technique, raising concerns again. A mixed bag, combining aggression with costly technical flaws."
#3. Fin Smith
Smith showed resilience under pressure but lacked influence overall. He missed key opportunities, including a kick and defensive lapse, and didn’t do enough to secure a bench role ahead of the First Test.
BALLS 6/10: "Overcooked an early garryowen into the AUNZ 22. Opposition were finding him on their carries, but he never backed down. Missed Tuipulotu on a strong carry. Did not do enough to rubber-stamp a bench spot for the First Test."
RUCK 5/10: "So often a reliable option at fly-half, Northampton’s Smith had an off night in Adelaide. A couple of simple missed kicks and a lack of real effect in this game mean Andy Farrell could look at his more versatile options – Marcus Smith or Owen Farrell – to back up Finn Russell in Brisbane."
#4. Will Stuart
Stuart’s scrummaging issues continued, drawing multiple penalties and leading to an early substitution. While his defensive effort was solid, limited impact in attack and persistent technical faults are hurting his test prospects.
FloRugby 3/10: "Similar to Schoeman, the Bath tighthead is trailing in the test pecking order due to inconsistent scrummaging. Penalised several times for collapsing or instability. Showed effort in open play, but his early substitution tells the story. Needs a statement performance to regain footing in selection talks."
BALLS 5/10: "Scrum was steady enough, without having a clear edge. Conceded a penalty for offside. Stuck 10 tackles but only made one carry, for little change."
Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches
Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
