Some side!
The Lions 23 that faced the Brumbies on Wednesday gave a glimpse into the probable Test team to face Australia on July 19.
There are, however, a few places still up for grabs and a handful of players who could force their way into the match-day squad with a big showing on Saturday.
For what it is worth, here is SportsJOE’s first-choice 23.
Front row
Ellis Genge has done superbly to establish himself as the consensus No 1 loosehead, considering the reputation of Andrew Porter.
He should start alongside one of the first names on the team sheet in Dan Sheehan.
Tighthead is harder to predict, but Tadhg Furlong showed against the Brumbies that he is back to near full fitness and must be in the 23.
He will more than likely start, but we like him off the bench for the last 35, with Finlay Bealham wearing the No 3 jersey.
Second row
Captain Maro Itoje is a shoo-in.
Tadhg Beirne was expected to partner him before the Tour began, but his form has dipped considerably.
While the Munster man has a game on Saturday to make one last charge, Joe McCarthy will be hard to usurp.
Back row
This is by far the hardest area to predict.
Jack Conan is the most likely to start, given his consistent ball carrying, and his varied game.
Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, and Josh van der Flier have all impressed, but it would be tough to leave out the Welshman given his ability to win turnovers.
Likewise, Pollock’s game-breaking skills, and tendency to create chances from nothing, could be priceless.
However, Ollie Chessum has impressed as the lock/blindside hybrid option, which head coach Andy Farrell likes, and provides greater stability in the lineout.
Half-back
Nothing much to say here.
Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are comfortably ahead of the next in line.
Centre
The two best centre performances have come from the two 13s; Huw Jones, vs the Waratahs, and Garry Ringrose, vs the Brumbies.
But you need to start one of them alongside either Bundee Aki or Sione Tuipulotu.
Right now, Aki’s carrying is a more consistent and reliable trait, and has the Irish connection with Ringrose.
Back three
James Lowe is the most sure thing here, with his left boot making him indispensable, while Tommy Freeman will likely start on the opposite wing.
Blair Kinghorn’s injury has made Hugo Keenan the favourite, and he can cement his place with a good showing this Saturday against AUSNZ XV.
Lions vs Australia 23:
- Ellis Genge
- Dan Sheehan
- Finlay Bealham
- Maro Itoje
- Joe McCarthy
- Jac Morgan
- Henry Pollock
- Jack Conan
- Jamison Gibson-Park
- Finn Russell
- James Lowe
- Bundee Aki
- Garry Ringrose
- Tommy Freeman
- Hugo Keenan
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Ollie Chessum, Josh van der Flier, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu.
