England star 'on first flight to Australia' following cruel injury blow

Saturday, 28 June 2025 at 13:16

byRugby Rucker

Tomos Williams’ Lions tour hangs in the balance after the scrum-half pulled up with what looked like a serious hamstring injury while dotting down his second try against the Western Force.

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The Welshman—who had been tipped to start the first Test—was in electric form before the setback. Even if the damage isn't long-term, he’s likely out for at least the next two weeks, leaving Andy Farrell with a selection headache.

The Lions boss kept things vague post-match, telling Sky Sports: “It’s a tight hamstring, we’ll assess it in the morning.”

Who steps in? Three names in the frame:

1. Jack van Poortvliet
Will Greenwood has already backed the England scrum-half to get the nod. Currently in Argentina with Steve Borthwick’s side, Van Poortvliet could be boarding a flight to Australia within days.

2. Ben White
The Scotland No.9 offers tempo and experience—and already has Lions camp familiarity from previous involvement.

3. Ben Spencer
The in-form Bath man has been knocking on the door all season. Could this finally be his Lions moment?

Lions player ratings vs Western Force:

1.Pierre Schoeman -5

Schoeman really struggled under the pressure at the scrum, which hindered the Lions hugely in the first half and put the Lions under added pressure at set pieces. On field he was a passenger struggling with the Forces’ physicality.

2.Dan Sheehan (C) -6

Sheehan was a much-needed addition to the Lions’ set piece, with his throw-in being much cleaner and consistent than what the Lions’ pack had to work with back in Dublin. Linked up greatly to grab his try and looked industrious with the ball in hand.

3.Tadhg Furlong -5

Furlong very similar to Schoeman. Struggled in the physicality department, which the likes of Ellis Genge shone against Argentina. Lost the battle at set piece and was on the back foot for the majority of the game.

4.Scott Cummings -4

Cummings was at the forefront of the Lions’ biggest Achilles heel, which was kick-off restarts. A big headache for the Lions which will need fixing in the build up to test fixtures but it feels like Cummings floundered and maybe played himself out of test contention.

5. Joe McCarthy-8

Joe McCarthy might have just played his way into test contention with a fantastic showing in the lock. He was everywhere for the Lions, grinding out all the dirty work in defence and attack and was rewarded for his efforts with a try.

6.Tadhg Beirne -5

Beirne moved into the back row after an impressive showing against Argentina in the lock but he really struggled up against the Forces’ pace to the game and gave away some silly penalties in and around the breakdown.

7. Josh Van Der Flier -7

Van der Flier was quietly very good for the Lions. He didn’t light the game up with huge moments but instead just did his basic skills to a great standard and oddly was very good with ball in hand rather than his defensive efforts.

8. Henry Pollock -8.5

Pollock had the game which sums him up as a character to a tee. A great running set-up for Williams’ first try, a contentious yellow card and a brawl to suit. He was fantastic with the ball and just suited the running nature of the game. People will be surprised if he keeps the 8 jersey for test games but don’t be surprised to see him as part of the test flankers.

9. Tomos Williams-8

Williams was excellent on the ball his distribution was really clean and helped progress the Lions’ attack. Two very nifty tries, one from running a trademark cheat line and the other from some great link up with James Lowe. Unfortunate to see him come off injured but other than that he really shone.

10. Finn Russell - 8

Russell was his usual self, just a maverick playmaker and that was encapsulated purely with his set-up for Daly’s try. Kicking was very clean both in-game and from the tee. Even defensively, he put in some great work, which will be a big delight to Andy Farrell.

11. James Lowe- 6

Lowe was unluckly quite with a lack of ball in hand for the winger but he was reliable as ever. Defensively he put in a huge shift and helped with some thundering clearing kicks. Linked up really well with Williams for a fantastic running try.

12. Sione Tuipulotu- 7

Tuipulotu was moved to inside center and he looked just as comfortable at 12 as he did at 13 for the Lions. Ball in hand he offered some great difference in attack and defensively he was solid too.

13. Garry Ringrose- 7.5

Ringrose was a monster in midfield for the Lions. His defensive hits, which will cause some debate around his defensive tempo were a huge tempo setter for the Lions. Ball in hand he ran some great lines and played really clever with his kicks and even grabbed himself a try and maybe a bolter for a test start.

14. Mack Hansen- 7

Hansen put in the shift of his life for the Lions, he was everywhere in defence and popped up nicely in the midfield with some clever carries. He will be a huge favourite for a test jersey with some great showings.

15. Elliot Daly- 7.5

Daly was another who was quietly very good for the Lions. He was reliable under the high ball and managed the backfield really well. Found some very good gaps in attack and another who could well be in with a shout for a test start.

Replacements-

16.Ronan Kelleher-6

17.Andrew Porter-6

18.Will Stuwart-5

19.Ollie Chessum-5

20.Jack Conan-5

21.Alex Mitchell-6

22.Huw Jones-6

23. Marcus Smith-6

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QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?

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