The test team is taking shape
This was the first side that Farrell has selected which looks like a team that could legitimately start the first test against Australia. On the wings. Lowe and Freeman have stood out and both started. The half back pairing of Gibson-Park and Russell took to the field once again and looked as impressive together as you would expect. Up front, the pack looked remarkably similar to most people's predicted teams with perhaps the only differences coming at flanker and tighthead prop. There are still some big questions around this team but things are beginning to look a lot more settled
Fullback depth is going to be tested
At the start of this tour, the Lions had two fullbacks who were not immediately available - Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn. Kinghorn's arrival in Australia was delayed by his league-winning run with Toulouse whereas Keenan was not yet fit. This meant that the fulllback position was covered by Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly. Daly immediately shone in that position and quickly put himself in contention for the 23-man squad in the first test. Unfortunately, Daly then got a tour-ending injury. This led to the much-debated call-up of Owen Farrell who is most definitely not a fullback. But that was fine given that both Keenan and Kinghorn would be available, right? Well, just a game later, Kinghorn went down with an injury which has his continued participation in the tour in doubt. Jamie Osborne has since been called up to add some depth but questions remain. Hugo Keenan has only had one start at fullback and it didn't go well so he'll need a good game at the weekend to calm some of the nerves surrounding that position.
The midfield competition is up in the air
Coming into this tour, there were 2 international centre partnerships competing for spots - from Ireland, Aki and Ringrose, and from Scotland, Tuipulotu and Jones. All the combinations have been tried but now the duos are playing in their international pairings. On Wednesday, the Irish duo got a go and had a mixed day. Ringrose once again proved his value in defence with his big-hitting display. The impetus he brings to the defence is something that will be valued very highly by Andy Farrell. Jones has scored some good tries, and pairs well with Tuipulotu, but could end up playing second fiddle. Tuipulotu has outshone Aki so far. Individually, Tuipulotu and RIngrose have been outstanding but questions remain over whether it is more effective to select centres with more familiarity.
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