Lions Name Strongest XV for Brumbies Showdown

Andy Farrell has named his strongest British & Irish Lions lineup for the penultimate tour match against the ACT Brumbies, widely viewed as a dress rehearsal for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on July 19. The starting XV includes eight Irish players, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose in the centres, Maro Itoje returning as captain alongside Joe McCarthy, and the half-back pairing of Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park. Blair Kinghorn makes his first start at full-back, with James Lowe and Tommy Freeman on the wings. The forward pack features Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tom Curry, Ollie Chessum, and Jack Conan. The bench includes key Irish and English players such as Henry Pollock and Marcus Smith. Farrell emphasized the importance of the match against a Brumbies team that topped Australian Super Rugby and beat the Lions in 2013, highlighting its role in finalizing Test selections.