Tuipulotu Starts for Lions vs Wallabies: Lineup and Expectations

Sione Tuipulotu leads the Lions’ attack against Australia

BRISBANE – Sione Tuipulotu, born in Australia and representing Scotland, will be the starting inside center for the British and Irish Lions in the first Test against the Wallabies on Saturday night in Brisbane. Tuipulotu has earned a place ahead of the Irish veteran Bundee Aki. In midfield, Tuipulotu will partner with his Scottish teammate Huw Jones. The fly-half will be Finn Russell, also from Scotland. Hugo Keenan of Ireland will fill the fullback position due to injuries to Elliot Daly and Blair Kinghorn. Tommy Freeman has been chosen for the right wing, surpassing Mack Hansen, also born in Australia, who was not included in the 23-player squad. Up front, Joe McCarthy will be alongside captain Maro Itoje in the second row. Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, and Ellis Genge make up the front row. Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry will be the blindside and openside flankers, respectively. Jack Conan will start at number 8, adding eight Irish players to the starting team.

The Lions arrive undefeated for this first match in Australia, but coach Andy Farrell is aware that the team must raise their level to face the Test series.

“We are entering the crucial phase of the tour and it’s time to deliver our best performance to date,” Farrell stated.

Andy Farrell, Lions coach

Farrell also highlighted the motivation of the Wallabies and the importance of the match for Maro Itoje, who will captain the team.

The British & Irish Lions team for the first Test is as follows:

• Hugo Keenan
• Tommy Freeman
• Huw Jones
• Sione Tuipulotu
• James Lowe
• Finn Russell
• Jamison Gibson-Park
• Jack Conan
• Tom Curry
• Tadhg Beirne
• Joe McCarthy
• Maro Itoje [c]
• Tadhg Furlong
• Dan Sheehan
• Ellis Genge.

Substitutes: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Bundee Aki.