Two games in, and the selection picture is already sharpening for Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions.
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After a frustrating loss to a clinical Argentina side in Dublin, the Lions roared back with a 54-7 demolition of the Western Force in Perth. While some big names have yet to feature due to injury or availability, several players have already planted their flags in the Test ground.
With all eyes turning toward the looming Wallabies series, here’s the form XV based on performances so far — plus a few headaches Farrell could do without.
1. Ellis Genge – 9/10 vs Argentina
Set the tone early in Dublin with a ferocious shift against Joel Sclavi. Dominant at the scrum, aggressive in the loose, and carried like a man on a mission. No one has come close to dislodging him since.
2. Dan Sheehan – 7/10 vs Western Force
Scored within two minutes and never looked back. Impeccable at the line-out and made his usual nuisances in open play. Quietly nailing down the No.2 jersey.
3. Will Stuart – N/A
With Tadhg Furlong misfiring and Bealham steady but unspectacular, Stuart’s stock rises just by association. Could be parachuted in to bring some ballast and bite.
4. Maro Itoje (C) – 5/10 vs Argentina
Didn’t hit his world-class heights in Dublin but was still industrious. With so much leadership weight on his shoulders, Farrell won’t blink – Itoje is the captain and Test lock-in.
5. Joe McCarthy – 9/10 vs Western Force
The tour’s breakout star so far. Brought physicality, line-out presence and serious intent. Looked like a Test Lion already. One more big performance and the jersey is his.
6. Tom Curry – 5.5/10 vs Argentina
Busy, yes. Game-changing, no. Curry did the work but lacked the spark that makes him a world-class flanker. Still ahead of the pack, but the chasing herd is gaining.
7. Henry Pollock – 8/10 vs Western Force
The teenage tyro is causing selection chaos. Two moments of magic, defensive doggedness, and all the energy of a Red Bull factory. Yellow card and chaos came too — but what a prospect.
8. Ben Earl – 5/10 vs Argentina
Top carrier in Dublin, but without the Test-level impact you expect from an international No.8. Still favourite, but far from nailed-on. Needs to find the fire.
9. Tomos Williams – 7/10 vs Western Force
Scored twice, kicked well, and kept things ticking… until he hobbled off. If he’s fit, he starts. If not, Farrell’s scrum-half shortlist looks even shorter.
10. Finn Russell – 8.5/10 vs Western Force
The conductor. Sprayed kicks, fizzed passes, managed tempo. The shirt is his unless something dramatic happens. Looks in complete control — as long as he stays focused.
11. James Lowe – 8/10 vs Western Force
Backhanded assists, breakdowns covered, and metres made. Always dangerous. If he’s not in the Test XV, something has gone horribly wrong.
12. Bundee Aki – 7.5/10 vs Argentina
Thundering carries and smart passes — Aki is in menacing form. Scored the Lions’ first try of the tour and gave Argentina headaches all afternoon.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7/10 vs Western Force
Solid outing with a try to his name. Not quite sparkling, but showed enough in defence and structure to put himself in contention for the 13 shirt ahead of Tuipulotu and Jones.
14. Mack Hansen – 7.5/10 vs Western Force
Wild at first, then wild in the best way. When he’s hot, he’s chaos incarnate — and Farrell might just need that unpredictability out wide in the Tests.
15. Elliot Daly – 8.5/10 vs Western Force
Two tries and total calm. His versatility might be his biggest weapon, but on this form, Daly deserves a straight shot at the fullback jersey. With Kinghorn and Keenan still MIA, the door is wide open.
Notable Absentees:
- Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn: Yet to feature. Injury niggles and availability delays have kept them sidelined — for now.
- Alex Mitchell: Patchy vs Argentina. Under threat.
- Sione Tuipulotu: One good game, one clunky. Competition’s heating up at 12/13.
- Duhan van der Merwe: A tough opener left him on the outside looking in.
Verdict:
Farrell’s core is slowly taking shape — with Russell, McCarthy, Lowe and Sheehan all enhancing their Test credentials. The back-row remains up for grabs, scrum-half is a headache, and 15 is Daly’s to lose — unless Kinghorn or Keenan mount a late charge.
There’s still time for bolters. But for now, this XV looks the most likely to run out against Australia in Brisbane.
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QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
