Andy Farrell Hints at Reinforcements: Two Players in Line for Lions Selection

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It was a bruising welcome for new head coach Andy Farrell, with Argentina’s breakaway brilliance — courtesy of Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz, and Santiago Cordero — stealing the show.

But here’s the kicker: when Farrell named his squad earlier this month, he openly admitted there were two spots still up for grabs. And after the game? He didn’t rule out adding reinforcements.

So, who’s hoping to jump on the last two seats to Oz? The fans have been shouting their choices loud and clear.

When grilled post-match, Owen Farrell didn’t dismiss the chance to join the Lions’ Aussie mission. Remember, Andy already said two squad spots were open, and Owen’s name keeps creeping into the conversation.

With 100+ Test caps, sharp leadership, and tactical smarts, Owen’s pedigree is undeniable. Yes, he’s stepped back from England duty while at Racing 92, but a Lions call-up? That’s a whole different beast.

Expect Owen to be buzzing on the selection radar.

Six Nations fans crowned Darcy Graham the unluckiest to miss the squad in a recent poll. With wingers Tommy Freeman and Duhan van der Merwe both nursing knocks, that door to the squad might just swing wide open.

Graham’s lightning pace and try-scoring prowess (just one try shy of Scotland’s all-time record) make him a no-brainer for late inclusion.

Fans are ready to see this pocket rocket take flight Down Under — if Farrell’s listening.

With Farrell keeping those two seats open and the squad still settling, the Lions’ final roster saga is just heating up.

Buckle in, because this tour’s got one last twist before takeoff.

Farrell’s debut as Lions boss ended in disappointment as his side looked off the pace and out of ideas against a slick Pumas outfit who ran in three cracking tries through Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz, and Santiago Cordero.

Mendy and the electric Albornoz struck either side of Bundee Aki’s score to give the South Americans a healthy 21-10 lead at the break.

A second-half surge saw the Lions claw back into it with a penalty try and Tadhg Beirne’s effort putting them right in the mix. But Cordero’s blistering counter-attack sealed the deal with 22 minutes to go.

The Lions huffed and puffed in the dying stages, desperate to snatch a win before heading Down Under, but Argentina dug deep to hold them out and seal a famous first-ever win over the tourists.

It’s a nightmare start for Farrell, and the first time the Lions have lost a tour opener since 1971. They now fly out to Australia on Saturday, where Western Force await in Perth on 28 June.

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Did brilliantly wiggle through the tackles of Joaquin Oviedo and Juan Martin González but split the ball with the line begging. His lineout throws were wayward which severely disrupted the Lions’ flow. He was part of an excellent scrummaging effort, though."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "A fumble cost him the opening try of the 2025 Lions series off a Lions catch and drive. A few too many lineout howlers from the Cornishman, his Bluetooth connection with Itoje looking a tad unstable."

JOE 5/10: "An error-strewn performance. Dropped the ball over the line in the first half."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "A mixed bag from big Dewie. A couple of promising inside cuts opened his account, but the defensive ring rust was there to see, having very little recent rugby under his belt. Got beaten with an Ignacio Mendy inside step for Los Pumas’ opening five-pointer and was somewhat at fault for Los Pumas’ score just before halftime. Always drew defensive attention and made plenty of metres after contact."

JOE 5.5: "Made an awesome break in the first half, but from then on pretty much nothing went right for the Scot. Looked very dodgy, weak in the air, and a prime target to attack."

Telegraph 5/10: "Understandably rusty in his first game for almost three months. Finished the first period by losing possession, leading to a Pumas try, and was quiet in the second. Had started promisingly, stepping off his left to carve open the Pumas."

BALLS 5/10: "Superb line break, on six minutes, but missed a pass that would have put Mitchell away. Costly error after he was tackled led to Argentina try before the break. Not great under the high ball. An iffy game."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Scrappy enough for the Harlequin. Opened his 2025 Lions’ account with a poor kick chase and miss tackle and didn’t look terribly comfortable in the air either.

"Saw a bit of ball but was proved a limited counter-attacking threat. Didn’t force the game but did his best to remain involved from the back. Overall, an evening to forget."

BALLS 5/10: "Hefty tackle, close to his own line, shut down try-scoring opportunity for Argentina. Some bright moments but too many were followed by errors. His decision to pressure Tomas Albornoz back-fired when he and Pollock were easily evaded and Argentina counter-attacked to score. Shelled an easy Furlong pass."

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