Huw Jones’ incisive runs and eye for space posed significant challenges for the AUNZ Invitational XV’s defense.
Following six matches, five victories, 235 points scored, and 81 conceded—a tally of 35 tries for and 12 against—the Lions have reached the pivotal stage of their tour.
The squad is set to return to Brisbane on Sunday in anticipation of the first Test against the Wallabies the subsequent Saturday. The preliminary phase has concluded, thankfully. The “phony war” has officially ended. The preceding weeks have been largely uneventful.
Saturday’s fixture against the AUNZ Invitational XV presented a different dynamic. Several notable events transpired, including the revelation of Garry Ringrose’s injury and its potential ramifications.
Luke Cowan-Dickie sustained a severe head injury and required assistance off the field, leading to Jamie George’s call-up. Owen Farrell also entered the game. Furthermore, the Lions achieved a commanding 48-0 victory, with several Test hopefuls making a statement to the coaching staff.
The news of Ringrose’s head injury and subsequent unavailability for the first Test emerged mid-match in Adelaide, coinciding with an impressive performance from Huw Jones, the other outside center in the squad.
“Garry unfortunately had a delayed reaction,” confirmed head coach Andy Farrell following the victory over the AUNZ Invitational side. “He experienced headaches for a day, which persisted into the next. Consequently, he underwent concussion protocols and, unfortunately, failed those.”
A day that commenced with Ringrose and Bundee Aki seemingly poised to form the Test match midfield—while Scottish counterparts Jones and Sione Tuipulotu were excluded from the squad—appears to have undergone a complete reversal.
Jones, who is regaining form following an injury and delivered an outstanding performance in Adelaide, is now likely to start at 13 against the Wallabies. Given Farrell’s emphasis on cohesion, it would be logical for Tuipulotu to partner him. Despite earlier experimentation, the preference appears to be for either the two Irish centers or the two Scottish centers.
If Jones and Tuipulotu are selected, the role of Aki, a dynamic presence in the red jersey, remains uncertain. A place on the bench? Possibly not, considering Owen Farrell is expected to cover both 12 and 10, potentially leading to Aki’s exclusion altogether. Ringrose’s absence has triggered a cascade of consequences.
“I’m not really aware of the situation,” Jones admitted after the game regarding Ringrose’s injury. “No-one informed me, which was probably beneficial as it prevented any mental distraction.
“He performed exceptionally well on Wednesday [against the Brumbies]. He’s a fantastic individual, one of the best I’ve encountered. We shared a room in Perth and developed a strong rapport. The four of us, including Sione and Bundee, have been collaborating extensively to refine our connections, so I’m disappointed for him.
“However, if this presents an opportunity for me next week, I’ll be delighted and determined to seize it.”
A Scottish 10-12-13 combination appears increasingly likely, potentially evoking recent memories of their victory over the Wallabies, where Finn Russell and Tuipulotu each scored a try in November of the previous year.
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During the post-match press conference, when Andy Farrell was questioned about his back-row selection and the potential frontrunner for the number seven jersey, he adeptly deflected the inquiry.
“We have excellent options in that area, which is very encouraging.”
In any case, Jac Morgan once again delivered an impressive performance on Saturday. While the game evolved into a one-sided affair, Morgan’s intensity and influence were evident during the competitive stages.
Ian Foster, who coached the AUNZ team and previously served as the All Blacks coach, offered valuable insights on the Lions’ back-row. When asked which Lions player impressed him the most, he was forthright in his response.
“It’s hard not to be impressed by Morgan at the moment,” he stated. “He’s performing exceptionally well as a loose forward. The selection of the loose forward trio will undoubtedly involve careful consideration, as they are mobile, skillful, and he [Morgan] is a resilient player.
“He simply works tirelessly. We experienced some connectivity issues at the breakdown during the early phases, which he capitalized on. He excels in that area, supported by a strong team.”
The choice lies between Tom Curry’s physicality, Josh van der Flier’s athleticism and dynamic running, and Morgan’s tenacity. It remains one of the few undecided positions.
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The polarizing figure entered the game for the final 30 minutes, eliciting some booing from the crowd.
It could be argued that the only thing more unsettling for Farrell than being booed is not being booed. It has become an integral part of his rugby career.
“He performed adequately, as did many others,” his father commented later, avoiding any excessive praise. “There were several outstanding individual performances that coalesced into a collective effort.”
Farrell Sr. appeared eager to move on from discussing his son, but it was a noteworthy cameo, featuring a well-executed link with Ben White in the lead-up to Scott Cummings’ try and a clever chip through to Henry Pollock, among other contributions.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the game was already decided by the time he entered the field.
Farrell is almost certain to be on the bench in Brisbane, marking his first involvement in a Test match since autumn 2023.
The Leinster and Ireland full-back faced significant pressure heading into Saturday’s game. Still recovering from illness and with his underwhelming performance against the Waratahs still fresh in memory, Keenan needed to deliver.
With Blair Kinghorn unavailable for the first Test, he was the only specialist full-back remaining. His coaches needed him to perform, and he did. From the outset, he exuded energy and determination.
“I thought he was excellent,” Farrell remarked. “There were some great, resilient performances.”
Keenan deserves recognition not only for his ability but also for his mental fortitude in overcoming illness and a poor performance against the Waratahs. At this level, resilience is as important as talent, and Keenan demonstrated that on Saturday.
Keenan relieved to overcome early Lions ‘obstacles’
The Lions are scheduled to depart for Brisbane around midday on Sunday, which is approximately 03:00 BST in the UK. “We have a normal week ahead of us,” Farrell stated, following a series of demanding weeks characterized by games, flights, and rapid training ground preparations.
“Upon arrival in Brisbane, we’ll conduct a coaches’ meeting to discuss the week’s plan,” he added.
“We’ll train on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, culminating in a performance assessment on Wednesday, where everyone will know their position.
“I informed the players that selection will be exceptionally challenging, as it should be. We have a cohesive group that is united regardless of individual selections, because winning the series requires a collective effort.
“The players selected for the first Test will have the privilege of representing the group, but they must also earn the right to retain their jersey for the second Test.”
So, who will be selected? Here’s an attempt to predict Farrell’s choices…
Keenan, Freeman (Hansen), Jones, Tuipulotu (Farrell), Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park (Mitchell); Genge (Porter), Sheehan (Kelleher), Furlong (Bealham), Itoje, McCarthy (Beirne), Chessum, Morgan, Conan (Pollock)
Bench players are indicated in brackets.
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