Sir Clive Woodward snubs Earl and Pollock when naming his Lions XV for first test

Writing with the insight only a World Cup-winning coach can bring, Woodward highlights several key selection debates — not least at full-back, openside flanker, and in the centres.

Full-back was a concern for Woodward earlier in the tour, but Hugo Keenan’s performance in Adelaide appears to have changed that. “As I mentioned in my previous column, I have concerns at full-back but Hugo Keenan's display on Saturday has reduced that as he played very well,” he writes in his column for Mail Online.

Still, it’s not a done deal. “The Lions will hope Blair Kinghorn is fit to train this week and play in Brisbane. If he isn’t, Keenan will step in,” Woodward continues. “Keenan looked much more like himself in Adelaide and that’s a real positive.” If fit, Kinghorn gets the nod, but Keenan is a strong deputy — a luxury few tours enjoy.

Perhaps the biggest area of debate surrounds the No 7 jersey — and the entire back row. “It’s an incredibly tight call between Morgan, Josh van der Flier and Tom Curry. Any of them could start,” Woodward writes. But with Jac Morgan impressing against Queensland and again on Saturday, Woodward leans toward the Welshman.

He’s joined by Ollie Chessum at blindside — a departure from traditional selections. “It’s not the loose forward trio I thought I’d say at the start of the tour,” he admits. “But going with a bigger, line-out jumper at No 6 clearly seems to be the direction of travel for Farrell.”

At No 8, it’s the Leinster powerhouse Jack Conan, a specialist in the role. “Jack Conan… is a specialist No 8,” Woodward states simply — a crucial quality in a Test environment. With Chessum, Morgan and Conan, it’s a balanced trio of size, breakdown acumen, and ball-carrying muscle.

What about the two big names who miss out at flanker? “The two who don’t start may well miss out altogether with Henry Pollock primed to bring big impact from the bench.” The teenage sensation from England is firmly in the frame for a cameo that could change the game.

At outside centre, there’s disappointment. “Garry Ringrose's concussion means he is out of the first Test. That's a shame,” says Woodward. “But Huw Jones is a great partner for Sione Tuipulotu with Bundee Aki missing out which is very tough on him.”

Even so, Jones impressed again last weekend, and Woodward believes the Scottish pairing will hold up well in Brisbane. “It’s another 50:50 call… But I think Farrell will go with Ringrose” — if fit. For now, Jones earns his chance.

The first Test in Brisbane is, for Woodward, pivotal. “Australia's big chance is the first Test,” he warns. “To come out on top there, it’s all about the basics. Nail them and aggressively attack the Australian basics and it should be all smiles for the Lions.”

And if they do? “If the Lions win the first Test, I think they’ll win the series 3-0.”

15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. James Lowe
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Ellis Genge
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Will Stuart
4. Maro Itoje (capt)
5. Joe McCarthy
6. Ollie Chessum
7. Jac Morgan
8. Jack Conan

With experience, form, and explosive youth all packed into this squad, Woodward’s Lions are built for one goal: a series win. All eyes now turn to Brisbane — and the battle begins.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

Schoeman impressed in open play with strong carries and physicality but struggled at the scrum, conceding multiple free kicks for poor technique. His inconsistency at set-piece remains a key issue as test selection nears.

FloRugby 4/10: "Got busy in the loose as he got on the ball for some big rumbles. His shaky work at scrum time is what is holding him back, as he conceded a few free kicks for not driving straight. Schoeman offered solid carries and physicality in open play, but his inconsistency at the set-piece remains a concern as test selection draws nearer."

Cowan-Dickie combined aggressive breakdown work with costly technical flaws, including an early line-out overthrow and an injury from a reckless low tackle. His physical presence was notable, but errors undermined his impact with him now ruled out of next week's series opener.

FloRugby 4/10: "Line-out overthrow in minute four dented a decent start. Exceptionally physical around the breakdown, notably clearing out two defenders to allow Ben White's try. His injury in the 36th minute was the result of his notorious low-tackling technique, raising concerns again. A mixed bag, combining aggression with costly technical flaws."

Smith showed resilience under pressure but lacked influence overall. He missed key opportunities, including a kick and defensive lapse, and didn’t do enough to secure a bench role ahead of the First Test.

BALLS 6/10: "Overcooked an early garryowen into the AUNZ 22. Opposition were finding him on their carries, but he never backed down. Missed Tuipulotu on a strong carry. Did not do enough to rubber-stamp a bench spot for the First Test."

RUCK 5/10: "So often a reliable option at fly-half, Northampton’s Smith had an off night in Adelaide. A couple of simple missed kicks and a lack of real effect in this game mean Andy Farrell could look at his more versatile options – Marcus Smith or Owen Farrell – to back up Finn Russell in Brisbane."

Stuart’s scrummaging issues continued, drawing multiple penalties and leading to an early substitution. While his defensive effort was solid, limited impact in attack and persistent technical faults are hurting his test prospects.

FloRugby 3/10: "Similar to Schoeman, the Bath tighthead is trailing in the test pecking order due to inconsistent scrummaging. Penalised several times for collapsing or instability. Showed effort in open play, but his early substitution tells the story. Needs a statement performance to regain footing in selection talks."

BALLS 5/10: "Scrum was steady enough, without having a clear edge. Conceded a penalty for offside. Stuck 10 tackles but only made one carry, for little change."

Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?

You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!