Marcus Smith Gets Opportunity at Fullback for the Lions
Marcus Smith has been selected to play as fullback in the match against Argentina, marking his first opportunity in this position with the British & Irish Lions. The announcement was made by coach Andy Farrell, who also included 20-year-old Henry Pollock on the bench.
Farrell highlighted Smith’s versatility as a key factor in his selection for the Australia tour, as the player has alternated between the opening position and fullback for England.
The preparation match against Los Pumas will take place in Dublin.
In the team, the presence of several English players stands out. Alex Mitchell will play as scrum-half, and Fin Smith, also English, will be the fly-half.
Bundee Aki of Ireland and Sione Tuipulotu, captain of Scotland, will form the center pairing. Tuipulotu returns after recovering from a pectoral injury that prevented him from participating in the Six Nations.
Tommy Freeman and Duhan van der Merwe will occupy the right and left wings, respectively.Andy Farrell has named his first British & Irish Lions squad.Up front, Ellis Genge will play as loosehead prop, with Luke Cowan-Dickie as hooker and Ireland’s Finlay Bealham in the front row.
Maro Itoje, Lions captain, will lead the team for the first time, partnering in the second row with Tadgh Beirne. The back row will be composed of Tom Curry as blindside flanker, Jac Morgan, Wales captain, as openside flanker, and Ben Earl at number 8.
