Winners and Losers in British and Irish Lions Team Selection

Following the announcement of Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions team to face the AUNZ Invitational XV, we pick out our winners and losers.

The match, scheduled for Saturday, will see the Lions face a combination side of players from New Zealand and Australia in their final match before the three-game Test series against Australia.

With the Lions looking to nail down their combinations, here are the winners and losers from an all-changed XV.

Winners:

Hugo Keenan

The Irish full-back has had only one chance to shine for the Lions this tour after sickness ruled him out of the initial matches. His one appearance came against the NSW Waratahs last week, when the talented Leinster star had a rare mare, showing the rustiness that comes with missing the end of the URC season.

Head coach Andy Farrell has provided him an opportunity to redeem himself, however, naming him at 15 for the upcoming match against the Australian and New Zealand invitational side. This could be an important occasion for Keenan, particularly after an injury to Blair Kinghorn on Wednesday now threatening to sideline the Scottish star for the opening match of the Test series.

Ben White

The Scotland scrum-half was called up late to the tour due to an injury to Wales’ Tomos Williams, but has now been afforded the chance to start for the Lions in their final match before the Tests. Although he is still unlikely to make the squad, this is a fantastic opportunity for White to strut his stuff in Lions colours in this historic match.

Henry Pollock

The young English star was kept out of the match with the Waratahs due to concerns surrounding his calf muscle, but he now appears to have recovered and is preparing to fight for a possible Test spot.

Just one year ago, the back-rower was playing for England in the U20 World Rugby Championship, but now he is the name on everyone’s lips as he is given the reins at blindside flanker alongside expectant Test starter Jac Morgan. A solid performance in this match, and it will be hard to argue against including Pollock in the team.

Owen Farrell

Called up to the tour late amid claims of nepotism from many fans and pundits, with David Campese describing it as a ‘daddy’s pick’, but Farrell now has the chance to prove all his doubters wrong and play himself into a Test spot. The record England points scorer brings with him a whole host of top level pedigree, having steered England to various Six Nations Championships, a World Cup final, and guided club side Saracens to three Champions Cup titles.

It’s also worth noting that the former England captain appeared on the Lions bench during the majority of the past tours, since and including, the 2013 version in Australia.

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Losers:

Marcus Smith

The Harlequins star has still not started a match at his preferred position of fly-half for the Lions this tour, which adds further credence to the likelihood that he will not be selected as a starter for the Test series. Once again being used as a dangerman from the bench, Smith will hope that his versatility and ability to create moments of magic will be enough to gain him minutes in the upcoming Tests. A wasted talent.

Blair Kinghorn

Although reportedly in good spirits, the Toulouse full-back is awaiting a scan on his knee, which could potentially prove serious and threaten his involvement in the rest of the tour. Removed midway through the first half of the Lions’ victory over the Brumbies on Wednesday, Kinghorn will be watched eagerly as his positional rival, Keenan, looks to regain his form after a poor showing last week.

Tom Curry

An underwhelming performance against the Brumbies and no chance to redeem himself this coming weekend. With such an impressive set of back-row options to choose from, it looks like Curry’s opportunity for a Test start could well be lost.

His ability to also play number eight will help his cause, but it’s hard to argue that his stock is higher than Jack Conan, Ben Earl or even Henry Pollock at this stage. Having been a Lions Test starter in the previous tour, you cannot argue against his pedigree, but the Sale Sharks star will have to hope that Farrell will note his credit in the bank.

According to the source: Planet Rugby.