Starting XV
1. Andrew Porter
I have gone for Porter over Genge for no reason other than Genge's carrying impact being a force late in the game and Porter's familiarity with his Irish teammates. Porter has occasionally struggled in the scrum but is a top quality prop who is more than good enough to start for the Lions. His strength and size will pose a serious threat to Australia's front row which has a lot of questions surrounding it.
2.Dan Sheehan
This is probably the easiest selection to make other than Maro Itoje. Sheehan is a top 3 hooker in the world and is worlds apart from the other options in this squad. He is a great line-out thrower but is truly special in open play. He is one of the best athletes o the pitch and shows his abilities when it matters. If I was Andy Farrell, I might consider keeping him on for the full game.
3.Tadhg Furlong
Furlong wasn't in my starting XV before this tour started given his lack of game time and Will Stuart's form. However, Furlong has worked his way into good shape and Stuart has had some struggles at the scrum. Given those points, I've decided to go with Furlong's experience and class for the first test given his ability to manage the pressure and be an experienced voice on the pitch for the first hour. This is a position which I could see being rotated between matches.
4.Maro Itoje(C)
The captain of the team has lived up to his elevated rank within the squad with several performances that were quintessential Itoje matches. He has been a workhorse who is constantly disruptive and is a threat with the ball. He is the first name on the team sheet.
5.Joe McCarthy
McCarthy has stood out at a position with perhaps more depth than any other. He gets this spot due to his nature as an enforcer with his huge frame and unbelievable power. He'll form a perfect partnership with Itoje in the second row.
6.Tadhg Beirne
Beirne gets the start ahead of a couple of different options. One option was to select someone like Tom Curry and play with two sevens in order to dominate the breakdown. The other was to select Ollie Chessum for his abrasiveness and his height. However, I have gone with Beirne who will solidify the line-out as a third option or as a taller lifter as well as being an all-round classy operator. He is one of those players who is built for occasions such as this.
7.Jac Morgan
This is another position that has been massively up for grabs with Morgan, Curry, Van der Flier and Pollock all competing for the spot. I have gone for the lone Welshman in the squad due to his jackaling threat, defensive strength and carrying prowess. Every player I have just mentioned is good enough to start at this spot but Morgan has been the most consistent over the course of the tour and has earned a starting role.
8.Jack Conan
The only recognised number 8 in the squad starts at his position. Earl and Pollock provide good alternatives but Conan has shown enough moments of quality to justify his selection.
9.Jameson Gibson-Park
Gibson-Park has been second only to Antoine Dupont in terms of scrum halves in the sport over the past few years. He walks straight into this team for me.
10.Finn Russell
Russell is the best fly half in this squad and is the player who has been able to construct attacks most effectively so far on this tour. He is clearly ahead of his competition and will be part of a tantalising partnership with Gibson-Park which has already shown moments of brilliance in warm-up matches.
11.James Lowe
Lowe is in a straight shootout with Van der Merwe for this spot and I have him as the clear winner. He is much more solid defensively and brings a left-footed kicking game which brings a new dimension to the team. He is also a poweful player and an excellent finisher (usually).
12.Sione Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu is the most complete centre in Britain and Ireland. He is first and foremost a powerful player but has also added distribution and kicking to his game, making him the obvious choice here. His familiarity with Finn Russell can only help with the fluidity of attacks.
13.Huw Jones
Jones versus RIngrose is a tough one with Ringrose standing out in defence but Jones' attacking runs and familiarity with Tuipulotu edges him into the starting line-up.
14.Tommy Freeman
Mack Hansen's injury means that the runway is clear for Freeman but he should be starting regardless. He has been the best winger on tour and owns this position. Playing an Australia team which will be keen to access the aerial battle means that having a winger with the size of Freeman is crucial.
15.Hugo Keenan
I would've selected Kinghorn here but his injury means that Keenan is the obvious starter. This is not a bad thing. Keenan is incredibly reliable and has had enough game time to be properly back. He is also well-acquainted with the Iriah attacking system so will be a valuable part of the attack.
Bench
16.Ronan Kelleher
17.Ellis Genge
18.Will Stuart
19.Ollie Chessum
20.Henry Pollock
21.Alex Mitchell
22.Marcus Smith
23.Owen Farrell
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