The announcement of the British & Irish Lions team for this year promises to be different.
In 2017, the squad for the New Zealand tour was read out to a small group of media at a London hotel. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 37 names were revealed in a television studio, with Lions legends participating via Zoom. Captain Alun Wyn Jones appeared as a hologram.
This time, on May 8th at the O2 Arena in London, Andy Farrell and former Lions players will present the team to the fans. The names will be celebrated, and those absent debated throughout the summer, as the Lions prepare to face Argentina in Dublin on June 20th and then travel to Australia for their first match against the Western Force in Perth on June 28th.
Farrell is expected not to get carried away by sentimentality. With Wales on a streak of 17 consecutive defeats, he could prioritize players from England, Scotland or Ireland if he considers them more suitable. The goal is to win the tour.
Caelan Doris’s injury, Ireland’s captain, adds uncertainty. Will Farrell risk Doris, knowing he could miss the first matches? Will he name Maro Itoje as captain? These are some of the key questions.
Farrell’s Big Dilemmas
Will Owen Farrell be included amid uncertainty at fly-half?
Farrell’s decision at the opening position will be controversial. The contenders include the English trio (George Ford, Fin Smith, and Marcus Smith) and Owen Farrell, who plays for Racing 92. Also included are the Irish Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast, along with Finn Russell.
He is likely to choose three. Ford, in excellent form, would be ideal. Farrell would bring leadership and experience, although his inclusion could be polarizing. Prendergast and Crowley are also competing, as is Russell, with Sexton on the coaching staff, which adds intrigue.
My choice would be: Fin Smith, Ford and Russell, with Farrell as an option in the center.
Captain, Maro Itoje or Caelan Doris?
Before Saturday, Doris and Itoje were the favorites. Doris’s injury has changed the landscape. Itoje, in excellent form, and with experience in previous tours, could be the chosen one.
Could Andy Farrell select a larger team than usual?
Farrell is expected to choose between 37 and 41 players. This would allow him to form two different starting teams and have room to maneuver in the face of potential injuries. The nine-match tour in five weeks demands careful management.
Who are the surprises?
Asher Opoku-Fordjour is a possibility. Courtney Lawes, retired from the English national team, could also be called up. Henry Pollock, 20, and Ribbans, from Toulon, could be other surprises. Cameron Redpath, Blair Murray, and Jamie Osborne are also on the list.
Will Ireland dominate the team?
The Six Nations served as a test. Farrell’s staff, including Irish coaches, suggests a strong Irish presence in the team.
Will the biggest battle be on the third line?
Farrell’s decisions in the second row will influence the third row. The abundance of talent in this position will create disappointments.
Will playing abroad cost Kinghorn a place?
Farrell is open to players playing in France, but if Toulouse reaches the Top 14 final, Kinghorn and Willis could miss the first matches of the tour. Others affected could be Ribbans and Sinckler. The fullback position could be key, with Keenan and Kinghorn competing for the position.
Given the tight schedule, the versatility of players like Jordan or Marcus Smith could be key.
