Andy Farrell will look to assemble the right blend of players from Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland as he oversees his first series as head coach.
The Lions take on the Wallabies in the traditional three-Test series on 19 July, 26 July and 2 August, 2025 while a tough wider itinerary is set to feature seven other matches. Getting the selection right will be key for Farrell, who faces a number of key questions as he prepares to take charge.
What could his squad look like? The Independent has selected a 37-man touring party:
Loosehead props (3)
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Ellis Genge (England)
An area of relative strength for the Lions, with three established international starters heading the chase for a place. Schoeman is rock solid in every area, Porter is ever more important to the Irish scrum, and Genge offers a good blend of ball-carrying and leadership. How Engand handle Fin Baxter’s development is also intriguing after a strong start to his international career in New Zealand.
Hookers (3)
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Dewi Lake (Wales), Jamie George (England)
Sheehan’s recovery from his ruptured ACL will be key with the Irishman nailed on as a starter if fit, and Lake travels as his deputy having enhanced his burgeoning reputation in Australia with Wales. While his time as a Test starter may have gone, George would be an excellent squad man and possible midweek captain if required, a role fulfilled by mentor Rory Best in 2017. Sheehan’s backup for Ireland, Ronan Kelleher, and a bolter such as Theo Dan could also be in the mix.
Tighthead prop (3)
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
This story is from the July 19, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the July 19, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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