"Debut bound" - 5 Australia players to watch against the British & Irish Lions (First Test)

While the spotlight often shines on the Lions, Joe Schmidt's Australia team has some very good players who will bring something different to the game. Here, we will look at five Australian players to watch, each with their own unique journey and qualities that could change the course of the Test.

Champion de Crespigny is one of the most compelling players to watch as the Wallabies prepare to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test. At 29, he is making his debut in the national side after years of hard work, setbacks and persistence. With key forwards like Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Langi Gleeson sidelined by injury, de Crespigny gets his chance, and it is one he has earned the hard way.

He only returned to Super Rugby this year after several seasons playing in the tough French Top 14 with Castres. That time abroad helped shape him into a player who thrives in physical contests and understands how to grind through pressure. His recent appearance for the Western Force against the Lions gave him a brief preview of what lies ahead, but Saturday will be something altogether different.

Hooker Matt Faessler is back in the Australia fray after his hamstring injury, with this marking his second appearance against the Lions on this tour. He started for Queensland Reds in their 12-52 defeat a few weeks ago, being picked for the Reds squad instead of featuring for the Wallabies against Fiji.

He has managed to prove his fitness and will be hoping to replicate the form that he showed in his last Wallabies start, where he scored a hattrick against Wales in Cardiff. That made him the first ever hooker to score a Test hat-trick for Australia. A hard worker, he could prove to be a handful for the Lions.

Lynagh is set to make his long-awaited first Test start at Suncorp Stadium for Australia, stepping into the spotlight for the Wallabies. With Noah Lolesio sidelined due to injury, the 22-year-old has been handed the playmaking duties in what is shaping up to be one of the most high-pressure debuts in recent memory.

He has featured in three Tests so far, all off the bench, with just over an hour of total game time at international level. Despite his limited experience, he has impressed in training and shown a calm, composed presence that has earned the confidence of head coach Joe Schmidt and the Wallabies squad.

Saturday’s match carries added significance, as it takes place at Suncorp Stadium - Lynagh’s home ground and the same venue where his father, Michael Lynagh, starred against the Lions in 1989. The younger Lynagh now has the chance to create his own legacy in a jersey deeply connected to his family’s rugby history.

With the pressure of a Lions Test and the eyes of the nation watching, Lynagh will look to guide the Wallabies attack and prove he belongs on the international stage.

Joseph Sua'ali'i is only five Tests into his international rugby career, but already he carries the weight of a nation's hope. As he prepares to start against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane, all eyes are on the 21-year-old NRL convert – not just for his enormous talent, but for the aura he brings to the game.

Towering at 6ft 5in, with explosive pace, aerial prowess, and a brutal physicality, Sua’ali’i is more than just a prodigy. He’s become a symbol of Australian rugby’s future.

There’s something quietly intense about him, a player who speaks little but makes a huge impact. His crunching hit on Sione Tuipulotu at Murrayfield last November was a statement – one that won't have been forgotten.

That moment may resurface this weekend, with the two men likely to line up opposite each other once again. In a series that could define a generation, Australia needs him at his devastating best.

Fullback Wright has become a key figure in the Wallabies’ backline, bringing consistency, maturity and spark to the position. His start against the Lions this weekend will be his 14th in the past 15 Tests, a clear reflection of the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. His ability to read the game, return kicks with intent, and link seamlessly with both forwards and backs makes him a vital part of Australia’s attack.

Wright's sharp footwork, calm presence under the high ball and confidence in broken play have been standout features of his game. In 2024 alone, he earned 12 starts at fullback, helping anchor a back three full of pace and punch. As Australia looks to build toward a home World Cup in 2027, his recent contract extension through to 2028 signals just how valued he is within the national setup.

With 37 Tests under his belt and entering the peak of his career, Wright combines reliability with flair. He’s one of those players who doesn’t need to shout to make an impact – his work rate, awareness, and skill set do the talking.