{"id":240426,"date":"2025-07-05T15:40:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T15:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/240426\/"},"modified":"2025-07-05T15:40:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T15:40:13","slug":"becoming-clear-how-the-lions-will-line-up-for-the-first-test-against-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/240426\/","title":{"rendered":"“Becoming clear” – How the Lions will line-up for the first test against Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"

With three warm-up games down, RUCK looks at Andy Farrell\u2019s potential squad to face the Wallabies in Brisbane.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following a rocky start against Argentina in Dublin, the Lions bounced back with impressive victories over the Western Force & Queensland Reds down under. Some players have played their way into contention, while others have failed to impress on tour and may miss out entirely. <\/p>\n

Just after the squad was announced, we made an initial prediction of Farrell\u2019s squad<\/a> for the first match against Australia. With the big day approaching and an idea of who\u2019s in form, there are updates to be made.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our predicted squad for the first Wallabies test on July 19th in Brisbane.<\/p>\n

15. Blair Kinghorn \u2013 Stade Toulousain & Scotland<\/p>\n

Despite joining up with the squad late due to his club commitments, helping Toulouse win the Top 14, Kinghorn should slot into the first Test lineup. The versatile Scot has been in great form throughout the 2024\/25 season, and won\u2019t be troubled for the 15 jersey by English pair Elliot Daly and Marcus Smith, or Ireland\u2019s Hugo Keenan.<\/p>\n

RUCK\u2019s Lions content is\u00a0powered by\u00a0ISUZU<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

14. Tommy Freeman \u2013 Northampton Saints & England<\/p>\n

Following two tries in the victory over the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, Freeman strengthened his grip on the right wing for the opening Test. The 24-year-old is coming off a brilliant season for the Saints & England, and his powerful running should beat out James Lowe and Mack Hansen for that 14 shirt.<\/p>\n

13. Huw Jones \u2013 Glasgow Warriors & Scotland<\/p>\n

Jones is in a tough battle for the outside centre spot when it comes to the first Test in Brisbane. With Garry Ringrose and Sione Tuipulotu both so impressive, Jones needs to keep backing up his excellent credentials in games & training to nail down his starting berth. Right now, I\u2019d give the Warriors\u2019 usual 13 the nod before moving Tuipulotu outside or giving Ringrose the nod.<\/p>\n

12. Bundee Aki \u2013 Connacht & Ireland<\/p>\n

While Farrell may be tempted to keep the ultra-effective \u2018Huw-ipulotu\u2019 centre pairing together, it\u2019s difficult to look past Bundee Aki in your back line. The Connacht man has continued to show his USP \u2013 crunching carries that force the defence into tackling errors. Barring injury, he\u2019ll keep Tuipulotu and Ringrose out of the back line in Brisbane.<\/p>\n

11. Duhan van der Merwe \u2013 Edinburgh & Scotland<\/p>\n

Van der Merwe has silenced critics who jibed at the number of \u2018southern hemisphere Lions\u2019<\/a> in the 38-man squad, bringing his usual touch-hugging runs and elite finishing to the plate with a try against the Reds. Just as it was before the tour began, the South African-born Edinburgh winger has secured the left wing as his for the first matchup against Joe Schmidt\u2019s Wallabies.<\/p>\n

10. Finn Russell \u2013 Bath & Scotland<\/p>\n

Russell is another Scotland international whose place in the starting XV has been secured for a while. The mercurial fly-half is one of the best in the world at his position and will beat out Fin & Marcus Smith for the 10 jersey with ease.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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