Dynamic loose forward Henry Pollock and flyhalf Owen Farrell will reportedly not make the match-23 for Saturday’s first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
According to Telegraph Sport, Marcus Smith is expected to be named on the bench ahead of Farrell, who was a late call-up after nearly nine weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury. His omission would mark a surprise, given his Test pedigree and the fact that he was brought in by head coach and father Andy Farrell.
Smith’s versatility and ability to cover the back three has reportedly given him the edge, with injury clouds hanging over Mack Hansen and Blair Kinghorn.
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In the pack, Tom Curry is tipped to start in a heavy-duty back row with Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan, despite stronger tour form from the likes of Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, and Henry Pollock. Farrell is said to have backed Curry’s work rate, calling him “a machine” whose off-ball impact makes the difference.
There’s also talk that Sione Tuipulotu could line up next to Huw Jones in midfield, continuing their Scotland centre partnership, with Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park combining at halfback.
If confirmed, the rumoured selection would also mean there is no Welsh player in the Lions squad – a first since 1899.
The official Lions team announcement is expected on Thursday.
