British & Irish Lions' Back-Row Conundrum: Key Talking Points Ahead of Test Series

Explore the key talking points surrounding the British & Irish Lions' back-row selection as they prepare for the upcoming Test series against Australia.

The British & Irish Lions continue to grapple with their back-row selection as the Test series against Australia looms. Here are five key talking points from their recent performances:

1. The Breakdown Battle

The Lions' struggles at the breakdown have been evident throughout their tour. Despite experimenting with various combinations, they have yet to find a trio that can dominate against Australian forwards. Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, and Ben Earl have all been tried, but consistency remains elusive.

2. Tom Curry's Role

Tom Curry was given a chance to secure the number seven shirt against the Brumbies but failed to make a convincing case. With the Test series approaching, head coach Andy Farrell must decide whether to persist with Curry or turn to Josh van der Flier or Jac Morgan.

3. Ollie Chessum's Emergence

Ollie Chessum has emerged as a strong contender for the blindside flanker position. His aggressive play and mobility have caught the eye, and he could be a key figure in the Lions' back-row moving forward.

4. Tadhg Furlong's Resurgence

Tadhg Furlong has been relatively quiet on this tour, but there were signs of his world-class ability in the match against the Brumbies. His scrummaging and work rate were impressive, suggesting he may be timing his return to form perfectly.

5. Full-Back Woes

The Lions have been plagued by injuries in the full-back position. Blair Kinghorn's recent knee injury adds to the woes, following the loss of Elliot Daly and Hugo Keenan's illness. Farrell will need to find a reliable option at 15 before the Test series begins.

Conclusion

With the first Test on 19 July, the Lions have much to address. While there are promising signs, the back-row selection remains a puzzle that Farrell must solve quickly to ensure success against the Wallabies.

What to Read Next

Lions 2025 Tour: Triumph, Heartbreak, and Legacy in Australian Rugby Showdown
Rugby

Lions 2025 Tour: Triumph, Heartbreak, and Legacy in Australian Rugby Showdown

Comprehensive analysis of the British & Irish Lions' 2025 Australian tour featuring player ratings, pivotal moments, and the dramatic 2-1 series victory against the Wallabies.

Ireland's Redemption Quest: Monaghan Leads Charge in Historic Women's Rugby World Cup Clash
Rugby

Ireland's Redemption Quest: Monaghan Leads Charge in Historic Women's Rugby World Cup Clash

Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan reflects on three years of rebuilding ahead of their pivotal World Cup opener against Japan, as the team aims to prove their resurgence on rugby's biggest stage.

England Triumphs Over Lightning Delays and USA in Thrilling Rugby Showdown
Rugby

England Triumphs Over Lightning Delays and USA in Thrilling Rugby Showdown

England secured a commanding 40-5 victory against the USA despite two lightning-induced delays in Washington, showcasing their depth with six tries and maintaining a perfect three-win summer tour record.

Wallabies' Valetini Declares Fit for Lions Showdown: 'Hunger to Perform' Ignites Do-or-Die Melbourne Clash
Rugby

Wallabies' Valetini Declares Fit for Lions Showdown: 'Hunger to Perform' Ignites Do-or-Die Melbourne Clash

Australian flanker Rob Valetini confirms fitness for critical Lions Test as Wallabies prepare to unleash physical response at iconic MCG arena in series-deciding showdown.

Juarno Augustus: Ulster's New Powerhouse Poised to Dominate the URC Stage
Rugby

Juarno Augustus: Ulster's New Powerhouse Poised to Dominate the URC Stage

Ulster veteran Rob Herring hails new signing Juarno Augustus as a game-changing force ahead of Edinburgh clash, while reflecting on squad renewal and Ireland ambitions.

Rugby Union Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to Key Terms, Tactics, and Scoring Strategies
Rugby

Rugby Union Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to Key Terms, Tactics, and Scoring Strategies

Explore the fundamentals of rugby union with an in-depth breakdown of scoring methods, key terms like scrum and ruck, and tactical insights. Perfect for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

Welsh Rugby's Lions Ambition: Rising to the Challenge of New Zealand 2029
Rugby

Welsh Rugby's Lions Ambition: Rising to the Challenge of New Zealand 2029

British & Irish Lions chairman Ieuan Evans inspires Wales' rugby stars to target 2029 New Zealand tour, building on Jac Morgan's impactful Lions debut and revitalizing Welsh rugby ambitions.

New Era Begins: Ojomoh Leads England's Fresh Faces Against USA in Washington Showdown
Rugby

New Era Begins: Ojomoh Leads England's Fresh Faces Against USA in Washington Showdown

England unveils three debutants including Bath's Max Ojomoh as they face USA in crucial World Cup preparation match, with Feyi-Waboso returning from suspension at Audi Field.

Cardiff Rugby Seek Thomond Park Breakthrough in URC Showdown Against Munster
Rugby

Cardiff Rugby Seek Thomond Park Breakthrough in URC Showdown Against Munster

Cardiff Rugby aims to end 7-year Irish drought as they face Munster in pivotal URC clash at Thomond Park. Can their revamped squad replicate last season's heroic home performance?

Max Llewellyn: Gloucester's Welsh Powerhouse Primed for International Dominance
Rugby

Max Llewellyn: Gloucester's Welsh Powerhouse Primed for International Dominance

Wales center Max Llewellyn reflects on his career resurgence at Gloucester Rugby and ambitions to cement his place in Wales' new era under coach Steve Tandy through Premiership performances.

Thunderous Triumph: Wallabies Defy Odds to Deny Lions Series Sweep in Sydney Deluge
Rugby

Thunderous Triumph: Wallabies Defy Odds to Deny Lions Series Sweep in Sydney Deluge

Australia's gritty 22-14 victory over the British & Irish Lions in torrential conditions prevents series whitewash, showcasing Wallabies' resilience and emerging talent in dramatic final Test.

Wales Co-Captain Alex Callender Fit for World Cup Opener: Key Boost Against Scotland
Rugby

Wales Co-Captain Alex Callender Fit for World Cup Opener: Key Boost Against Scotland

Wales co-captain Alex Callender overcomes injury to lead the team in their crucial Rugby World Cup 2025 opener against Scotland. Key lineup changes and tactical insights revealed as both nations vie for Pool B dominance.

Leicester Tigers Stage Epic Premiership Comeback to Stun Harlequins 29-19
Rugby

Leicester Tigers Stage Epic Premiership Comeback to Stun Harlequins 29-19

Leicester Tigers complete remarkable second-half turnaround from 19-0 down against Harlequins, securing new head coach Geoff Parling's first Premiership victory in dramatic fashion.

Turmoil and Tenacity: Scotland's Rocky Road to Rugby World Cup Redemption
Rugby

Turmoil and Tenacity: Scotland's Rocky Road to Rugby World Cup Redemption

Amid contract conflicts and coaching changes, Scotland's women's rugby team battles internal turmoil while seeking World Cup glory. Can they overcome adversity against Wales and rewrite their tournament narrative?

Lions' Legacy in the Balance: Martin Johnson's Blueprint for Series Triumph Against Australia
Rugby

Lions' Legacy in the Balance: Martin Johnson's Blueprint for Series Triumph Against Australia

Rugby legend Martin Johnson inspires the Lions with a masterclass in fundamentals ahead of the decisive Melbourne clash. Discover how history, strategy, and fan power collide in this high-stakes Test series.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.