"Totally expected" - Fans all have the same complaint about Andy Farrell's first Lions XV
Rugby NewsWednesday, 18 June 2025 at 14:37
The British & Irish Lions have revealed a blockbuster midfield pairing for Friday night’s clash with Argentina in Dublin – and fans are already buzzing.
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Scotland powerhouse Sione Tuipulotu and Ireland juggernaut Bundee Aki will link up in the centres, forming a fearsome duo sure to strike fear into Los Pumas.
It marks Tuipulotu’s long-awaited return to international rugby after missing the Six Nations through injury, his last outing coming in Scotland’s win over Australia last November.
While both men typically wear the No.12 jersey for their countries, head coach Andy Farrell clearly believes their combined physicality and experience make them the ideal centre pairing to kick off the 2025 Lions campaign.
Elsewhere, Farrell is easing his domestic finalists back in gently. Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher – named on the bench – is the only player from last weekend’s finals included in the matchday squad. As expected, stars like Finn Russell are being rested, in line with Farrell’s long-term plan.
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England enforcer Maro Itoje will lead the team out as Lions captain for the first time, taking the armband with key leaders still returning to camp.
Fans React to Centre Combo
Supporters couldn’t contain their excitement after the team announcement, with social media lighting up at the sight of Aki and Tuipulotu in tandem:
Smith at Fullback Raises Eyebrows
However, not everyone was fully on board – the selection of Marcus Smith at fullback drew criticism from some fans still unconvinced by the Harlequin's suitability in the 15 jersey:
Finals Stars Rested – As Planned
Some disappointment lingered around the absence of players from last weekend’s domestic finals – particularly Finn Russell – but Farrell had made it clear from the start that he would take a phased approach to squad integration.
The Lions roar back into action Friday night at the Aviva – and with a wrecking-ball midfield and Itoje at the helm, they won’t be easing into this one quietly.
EDITORS PICKS:
"Complete shambles" - Five Players Who Should Be in the Lions Squad
Here are five players who arguably should have been included in the squad—if not the matchday 23.
Spencer (England) – Scrum-half, Bath, age 32
The heartbeat of Bath’s backline and the captain who led them to the 2025 Premiership title, Ben Spencer remains one of the most undervalued players in English rugby.
He made his England debut in 2018 but has been capped just 10 times—an astonishingly low figure considering his consistent club form. Known for his sharp box-kicking, quick service, and tactical awareness, Spencer has been crucial to Bath’s resurgence.
Now 32, he offers experience and composure—qualities the Lions could have used in a high-pressure tour opener.
2. Jack Willis (England) – Flanker, Toulouse, age 28
Willis has been in the form of his life with Toulouse, helping the French giants secure both Top 14 and Champions Cupsilverware in the last two seasons.
His prowess at the breakdown, physicality in defence, and powerful carrying make him arguably the best openside flanker in Europe.
\A former England Player of the Year, Willis has earned 17 caps but missed out on the Lions squad, likely due to his club’s deep playoff run and France-based commitments. Still, on pure form, the 28-year-old should have been on the plane.
3. Darcy Graham (Scotland) – Wing, Edinburgh, age 28
With 26 tries in 41 caps, Darcy Graham stands as Scotland’s joint all-time leading try-scorer, an extraordinary feat for a winger yet to turn 30.
Known for his electric footwork, blistering pace, and nose for the try-line, Graham is a game-changer when fit. Injuries have limited his availability, but when in form, few wingers match his attacking threat.
At 28, he’s in his prime, and his omission from the Lions setup is one of the more surprising calls, especially given the need for explosive finishers on hard Australian tracks.
4. Ben White (Scotland) – Scrum-half, Toulon, age 26
After impressing in the Premiership with London Irish, Ben White moved to Toulon, where he has continued his steady development as a top-tier scrum-half.
A regular starter under Gregor Townsend, White has collected over 20 caps and was a standout for Scotland in both the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Six Nations.
At 26, he offers a strong blend of youth and experience, with excellent decision-making and a tactical kicking game. With Lions squads typically taking three scrum-halves, his exclusion raised questions.
5. Taulupe Faletau (Wales) – No. 8, Cardiff, age 34
A three-time British & Irish Lion (2013, 2017, 2021) and one of Wales’ greatest forwards, Faletau returned from injury just in time to push for selection.
With over 100 Test caps and a reputation for consistent world-class performances, the 34-year-old No. 8 remains an elite all-rounder—strong in contact, secure under the high ball, and tactically aware.
His omission suggests the selectors opted to favour youth and form, but few players have delivered on the Lions stage like Faletau.
British and Irish Lions 2025 Tour Schedule
Warm-Up Matches
- June 20: vs Argentina – Dublin
- June 28: vs Western Force – Perth
- July 2: vs Queensland Reds – Brisbane
- July 5: vs Waratahs – Sydney
- July 9: vs Brumbies – Canberra
- July 12: vs Invitational Australia & New Zealand XV – Adelaide
- July 22: vs First Nations & Pasifika XV – Melbourne
Test Series vs Australia
- July 19: 1st Test – Brisbane
- July 26: 2nd Test – Melbourne
- August 2: 3rd Test – Sydney
TOUGH QUIZ: Can you name EVERY British & Irish Lions captain of the past 50 Years?
We've got a belter of a quiz in store, as we challenge you to name EVERY British & Irish Lions tour captain of the past 50 years. We start off our quiz back on the 1974 tour of South Africa, and bring it all the way up to the Lions' latest tour to the land of the Springboks in 2021.
To make this a little bit more difficult, some of the more recent tours included multiple captains, with both needed to be named if you want to ace this Lions Tour quiz. You have six minutes to get all of your answers down, and your time starts... Now!
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