Lions Exclude Welsh Players for Brisbane Test

The British & Irish Lions have named a Test XV with no Welsh players for the first time since the 19th century, starting Sione Tuipulotu and Tom Curry, while Marcus Smith is on the bench following an inconsistent season. Smith's selection over Owen Farrell comes amid injuries to the Lions' backline, with his versatility and goal-kicking seen as assets. For the Wallabies, coach Joe Schmidt has named Nick Champion de Crespigny and Tom Lynagh for debuts due to a wave of injuries sidelining key forwards Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, and Langi Gleeson. De Crespigny steps in at No.6 after his return from France to the Western Force. Veteran prop James Slipper is set to play in his second Lions series, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has recovered from injury to start. The series opener is scheduled for July 19 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with both teams fielding reshuffled lineups.