Ireland set to dominate Lions line-up for first Test against Wallabies - Report

The British & Irish Lions are expected to name a starting XV for Saturday’s first Test against Australia that includes up to eight Irish internationals according to reports.

Head coach Andy Farrell is due to confirm the line-up on Thursday morning ahead of the series opener at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Full-back Hugo Keenan, wing James Lowe, and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park are likely to form part of the backline. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu is expected to start at inside centre alongside Huw Jones, while Finn Russell may be chosen at fly-half.

The Lions’ forward pack is also set to feature a strong Irish core. Tadhg Furlong is in line to earn his seventh consecutive Lions Test start at tighthead prop, having been a mainstay in both the 2017 and 2021 series. He is expected to be joined by Dan Sheehan at hooker and England’s Ellis Genge at loosehead.

In the second row, Ireland’s Joe McCarthy is tipped to partner Lions captain Maro Itoje. Jack Conan appears to be the frontrunner for the number 8 jersey. Tadhg Beirne is set to start at blindside flanker, offering additional lineout and ball-handling options, while Tom Curry is expected to claim the openside spot ahead of Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan.

Among the expected omissions are Bundee Aki, who may be left out in favour of Tuipulotu, and Owen Farrell, who is reportedly not included in the matchday squad. Promising young flanker Henry Pollock is also believed to have missed out.

Final squad confirmation is expected Thursday. The Wallabies, meanwhile, are monitoring the fitness of Rob Valetini ahead of the opening clash.