They are starting to find their groove.
After the Lions’ 54-7 thrashing of the Western Force on Saturday, we have had a look at those who have moved up the pecking order and increased their chances of being involved in the tests, and those who have fallen off.
Winners
1. Joe McCarthy
The Leinster second row hadn’t made many predicted test XVs, with captain Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne seen as locks in that position.
However, such was the quality of his performance, which earned him the Player of the Match award, he will be hard leave out against the Wallabies if his form continues.
McCarthy was everywhere in Perth on Saturday, making hard yards in the tight, winning line out ball, putting in dominant hits, stealing ball at the breakdown, and chipping in with a try of his own.
Of course, sweeping predictions can’t be made in regards to the test team, especially given the quality of the opposition, and Beirne is still likely to start given his world class form throughout the year for Munster and Ireland.
However, the gauntlet has certainly been thrown down.
2. Josh van der Flier
After semi-decent showings from Tom Curry and Jac Morgan in the loss to Argentina, this was a invaluable opportunity for Van der Flier to put himself in the driving seat for the tests.
And take the opportunity he did, making 21 tackles, with a couple of his highlights including an offload to help set up Tomos Williams’ first try, and a remarkable choke tackle to deny the Force a try just before the break.
3. Elliot Daly
Now a three-tour veteran, the 32-year-old was seen as a surprise inclusion in Andy Farrell’s squad, given that he is not a regular starter for England.
But two games in he has proven his head coach right, with a great cameo off the bench against Los Pumas, followed by a flawless display last Saturday.
He was all class, commanding the backfield with aplomb, and getting his just rewards with two tries.
All the talk has been about Hugo Keenan vs Blair Kinghorn for the starting 15 jersey, but Daly is now a real player in this conversation.
4. Mack Hansen
The most maligned selection in the squad, after being picked over the in-form Darcy Graham, despite not being at his best since returning from a long layoff.
The haters were ‘eating’, as they say, in the first half, with Hansen dropping the ball twice in promising positions and falling off a few tackles.
He managed to turn it around after the break, initiating the end-to-end attack which finished in Williams’ second try, and bagging an assist for Garry Ringrose.
Crucially, however, he shone brightest in defence, showing the work rate and tenacity that gives him a point of difference over his fellow wingers.
Farrell singled him out post-match for what he felt was the moment of the match, with Hansen covering a Force break before chasing his own kick and forcing a turnover.
Losers
1. Scott Cummings
Another surprise inclusion in the squad, but this one did not take his opportunity.
Quite the opposite, in fact, with the big Scot dropping multiple kick-offs, giving his opponents a valuable source of territory and go-forward ball.
He didn’t offer much with ball in hand either, and with just four games left before the first test, it is likely that his chances at playing have all but disappeared.
2. Pierre Schoeman
After Ellis Genge’s star showing against the Argies, the cult-figure Schoeman needed a big game.
He failed to deliver, while Andrew Porter outshone him as well in his brief cameo off the bench.
Like Cummings, he will not be in the test 23 unless their is an injury.
3. Tadhg Beirne
Beirne hasn’t been poor over the first two games, more disappointing, given his high standards and the amount of game-winning performances he has produced for Munster and Ireland over the past number of seasons.
A nailed on starter before the tour, his place is now far from guaranteed, and the situation could get even more treacherous if Ollie Chessum can produce a big game against the Reds on Wednesday.
Perhaps a couple of games off may do him well and refresh his mind and body.
All he needs is one big showing and he should start against Australia.
4. Sione Tuipulotu
Ok, admittedly, we are scraping the barrel here, but there are not many options to choose from after the hammering dished out.
The Scottish centre has looked relatively good over the first two games, but with such competition at centre, he has not laid down a marker, despite the advantage starting both matches.
Still a favourite to start, but the 12 and 13 jersey are both very up for grabs.
