British and Irish Lions vs Wallabies: Five key head-to-head matchups in the first Test

On Saturday, a storied rivalry reignites as the British and Irish Lions take on Australia in Brisbane for the first Test of a much-anticipated three-match series.

It’s been over a decade since the Lions‘ last tour Down Under, when they clinched a famous series win in 2013.

Now, under head coach Andy Farrell, they return brimming with confidence after sweeping aside all five warm-up opponents.

For Australia, it’s a fresh start under Joe Schmidt, but they arrive hampered by injuries to key players, including lock Will Skelton and flanker Rob Valetini.

The Wallabies will field a youthful, somewhat experimental side, with debutants like Tom Lynagh, son of Wallaby legend Michael, stepping into pressure-filled roles.

Now that the lineups are out and the stage is set, here are the five best head-to-head matchups to look out for.

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Nick Frost v Maro Itoje

Given the importance with which Farrell appears to be prioritising the physical battle and the set piece based on his squad selection, the second row looks set to be one of the key battlegrounds.

Frost has been highly rated within Australian rugby for a while now and is coming up to the peak of his powers at 25 years old, but is up against one of the absolute best in the world in the position in England and Lions captain Itoje.

Itoje is a lineout specialist and will cause plenty of problems both in and out of possession.

It won’t be easy for the captain, though, as Frost towers above even Itoje at 6ft 9in, making him a great asset from the lineout and in the second row as a whole.

Matt Faessler v Dan Sheehan

Sheehan has been a nailed-on starter since the start of the tour and has justified the faith put in him by the coaching staff, being one of the shining lights across every game that he has played.

More than a traditional hooker, he has used his mobility to good effect and has popped up all around the pitch to help out the Lions in attack.

Up against him is a familiar face, Matt Faessler. Faessler has already played against the Lions, starting for the Queensland Reds in their 12-52 defeat against the tourists.

He was selected for that game instead of playing for the Wallabies against Fiji, as part of his recovery from a hamstring injury that has seen him sidelined since April.

Having now played Test rugby since last autumn, he will be hoping to replicate the form that he showed for the Wallabies back then.

In his last international game, he became the first Wallaby hooker to score a Test hat-trick, achieving the feat in Cardiff against Wales.

Tom Lynagh v Finn Russell

This will be Lynagh’s first-ever Test start, and only his fourth appearance for the Wallabies. It is poetic that it will be held wearing the same number ten shirt that his dad wore against the same opposition in 1989.

Up against him is one of the best in the world in Finn Russell.

The Scot will have no time for sentimentality and will hope to lead the Lions’ attack to a series lead. Russell is a serial winner and has already won a treble with Bath this past season, so he is a player capable of turning up on the big occasions.

With the added motivation of his family heritage, Lynagh could shift up a gear and provide a stern test for Russell.

Harry Wilson v Jack Conan

Another key matchup will come in the back row battle between Jack Conan and Harry Wilson. Wilson is captaining the Wallabies and has been a regular feature in Joe Schmidt’s side since his debut in 2020. The Reds No.8 is a big presence and strong ball carrier.

Given that the back row as a whole is so key to this game in terms of providing a link between the physical battle up front and the backs, whoever stands out at No.8 could well decide the fate of the game.

Wilson being captain means that there is an added incentive to impress, and his conversations with referee Ben O’Keefe may have a big impact on the way the game is officiated at the breakdown.

Max Jorgensen v Tommy Freeman

Two young, exciting wingers coming up against each other is what rugby is all about. Freeman has had a stunning season for Northampton Saints and England, and the bulky yet speedy winger will hope to continue his impressive try-scoring rate.

It is also a chance for a bit of vengeance against Jorgensen, because the Wallaby scored the winning try in the autumn when Australia beat England at Twickenham.

Still only 20 years old, Jorgensen is a very pacey player out wide and knows how to find the tryline. Tries change games, and there is every chance that both of these players are involved in scoring some.

By Charlie Elliott

READ MORE: British and Irish Lions vs Wallabies First Test – Key talking points and where the game will be won and lost