Statement: Lions call up injury cover for Joe McCarthy

Sunday, 20 July 2025 at 08:05

bySteven Smith

Andy Farrell has confirmed Jimmy McCarthy is battling
plantar fasciitis after limping off during the First Test win at Suncorp.

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“It was niggling at him,” Farrell said post-match. “Hopefully we got him off just in time.”

The foot issue – inflammation around the heel and arch – can make even walking a chore, let alone grinding through 43 minutes of Test-match chaos. Fair play to McCarthy for sticking in.

But with the clock ticking towards the Second Test, it’s not ideal. Normally, this kind of injury needs rest, ice, and a few weeks of feet-up time. McCarthy doesn’t have that luxury.

He’ll now have to dig in and hope for the best. Farrell’s set to name his team on Thursday, and McCarthy’s name will sit firmly in the ‘doubtful’ column until then.

Meanwhile, Scotland enforcer Gregor Brown has flown in as injury cover. Bags packed, boots laced – welcome to the Lions, lad.

Three Changes Andy Farrell Must Make for Lions’ Second Test vs Australia

Here’s a breakdown of the three underperforming Lions players, their potential replacements, and why each should be dropped for the next Test based on current form and match impact.

#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise

Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.

Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.

Final Verdict:

Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.

#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense

Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.

Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.

Final Verdict:

Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.

#3. James Lowe – Wing

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)

Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.

Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.

Final Verdict:

Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defense.

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Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches

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!