"Who?" - Fans are all saying the same thing about Andy Farrell's latest Lions call-up

Sunday, 20 July 2025 at 18:30

bySteven Smith

Scotland back-row Gregor Brown has been drafted into the British & Irish Lions squad ahead of their final midweek clash against the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old, who also covers second row, started at lock in Scotland’s win over Samoa on Friday in Auckland.

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Brown becomes the 45th player selected by head coach Andy Farrell for the 2025 tour, with the original squad featuring just 38 names. He will link up with fellow Scots Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman in Melbourne on Sunday.

Brown made his international debut in 2024 against Canada and has impressed under Gregor Townsend — but his inclusion has sparked fierce backlash from fans, especially in Wales.

Social media was flooded with angry reactions, many furious over the continued omission of Welsh second-row talent.

One frustrated supporter wrote:
"Teddy Williams in good form? oh yes I forgot he’s Welsh,"

Another fumed:
"Is this a joke? Daf Jenkins? Adam Beard? Will Rowlands? Teddy Williams? Oh wait they’re Welsh…"

A third joked:
"Can I come... Oops sorry I'm Welsh,"

Another raged:
"This is becoming a joke now. Hardly starts in a fully fit Scotland team and now he’s a Lion??? British and Irish Lions is becoming less and less authentic and ruining the whole reason for the tour by rewarding players who actually deserve a call up."

One added:
"Fair play, Farrell has made a mockery of the Lions' selections and is now cementing that status. Luckily for him, Australia aren't a strong team currently — Giteau's Law stopping them from selecting better players based in Europe means the Lions should win the series comfortably."

Three Changes Andy Farrell Must Make for Lions’ Second Test vs Australia

Here’s a breakdown of the three underperforming Lions players, their potential replacements, and why each should be dropped for the next Test based on current form and match impact.

#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise

Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.

Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.

Final Verdict:

Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.

#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense

Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.

Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.

Final Verdict:

Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.

#3. James Lowe – Wing

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)

Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.

Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.

Final Verdict:

Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defense.

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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?

You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!