British and Irish Lions

British and Irish Lions vs Wallabies first Test: Key talking points and where the game will be won and lost

by
Charlie Elliott
18 July 2025

After five straight wins on tour, the British and Irish Lions face their biggest challenge yet as they open their three-Test series against Australia in Brisbane this Saturday.

Unbeaten so far on Australian soil, Andy Farrell’s side are hoping to recreate the success of 2013, when the Lions claimed a series win Down Under.

Their hosts, however, arrive with a point to prove. Injuries have hit the Wallabies hard, with key forwards missing and debutants stepping up, but a backline full of flair could cause problems.

Joe Schmidt’s Australia may be under-strength, but they will still back themselves.

Here are some of the key talking points and key battles to look out for in the first Test.

WATCH THE RUGBY PAPER ROUNDUP HERE

For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Key talking points

No Welsh Representation

For the first time in well over a century (since 1896), a British and Irish Lions Test team will take the field against Australia without a single Welsh player.

That’s a tough moment for Welsh rugby, and makes Jac Morgan’s omission even harder to take.

As captain of Wales and one of the tour’s most consistent performers, Morgan had done everything he could to earn a place.

With Tomos Williams ruled out earlier through injury, Morgan was the last remaining Welshman in the squad.

Now, he’ll be watching from the stands in Brisbane. It’s a sharp reminder of how far Wales has fallen in recent years, both in results and reputation.

Just four years ago, Welsh players were central to the Lions’ efforts. A lot has changed since then, and the side have only just come out of their record-breaking losing run of 18 Tests.

Wallabies Debuts

Saturday’s Test against the British and Irish Lions marks two major milestones for the Wallabies.

At 29, Nick Champion de Crespigny makes his long-awaited debut after years of hard work, setbacks, and a valuable stint in the French Top 14.

His return to Super Rugby with the Western Force showed how far he has come, and with injuries to key forwards, he now gets his well-earned shot.

Alongside him, 22-year-old England-raised Tom Lynagh will make his first Test start at fly-half.

With just over an hour of Test experience, Lynagh steps into a high-pressure role at Suncorp Stadium, the same ground where his father, Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, faced the Lions in 1989.

Many have drawn parallels between Lynagh Jr and his father, and this is a great chance for the youngster to emulate his father.

Scotland Selection Makes History

The squad selected by Farrell will create a bit of history for Scotland. Finn Russell has been selected at fly-half, with Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu lining up as the centre partnership.

While those selections are relatively unsurprising given the form of the three players, it marks the first time in Lions history that the three positions are all filled by Scotland players.

As the only three Scots selected in the squad and filling key positions, a win for the Lions, guided by them, would be a huge boost for Scottish rugby and would justify their selections.

Farrell Opts for Physicality

In choosing Tadhg Beirne at blindside flanker and Tom Curry at openside, Farrell has picked a back row built around power, experience and control rather than recent form.

It is a selection that speaks to Farrell’s desire to dominate the set-piece and win the physical battles up front.

Beirne, usually a second row, gives the Lions added weight and line-out security, while Curry brings relentless intensity at the breakdown. Together with Jack Conan at number eight, they form a back row that looks ready to go toe to toe with anyone in the contact area.

Add the second row inclusion of Joe McCarthy, the towering Irish lock who specialises at the lineout, and there is a focus on physicality from Farrell.

With Will Skelton and Rob Valetini ruled out for Australia, the Lions pack will fancy their chances of setting the tone through sheer physical presence.

Key Battles

The Breakdown

One of the key areas to watch will be the breakdown. The British and Irish Lions have struggled with accuracy here, allowing their opponents to win turnovers and disrupt their attacking flow.

Wallabies players like Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson will be keen to get stuck in, especially as the match wears on, to create pressure and force mistakes.

While this battle alone won’t decide the outcome, it will be a test of patience and physicality.

The Wallabies know this is an area where they can chip away at the Lions’ confidence and momentum, especially since the tourists have occasionally looked shaky.

Set-Piece

Both coaches have loaded their teams with strong lineout options, knowing how important this is in gaining clean possession.

The Wallabies have been solid in their lineout recently, with Jeremy Williams leading the way and Nick Frost providing strong support.

Farrell’s Lions have been improving steadily in this area, but the Australians will be eager to apply pressure here.

When it comes to scrums, the Lions have shown real strength, comfortably outmuscling most opponents except in their game against the Western Force.

Joe Schmidt’s decision to back Tom Robertson alongside the experienced Allan Alaalatoa shows how seriously Australia takes this contest.

Dominance in set-pieces could give either team the platform to control territory and pick up vital penalties.

Back Row

The back row choices reveal a fascinating tactical duel. Andy Farrell has gone for Tadhg Beirne at blindside flanker, showing a preference for a physical, workhorse type who can disrupt the opposition and carry hard.

On the other side, Joe Schmidt has brought in Nick Champion de Crespigny, a debutant who offers speed and dynamism around the park.

Along with Tom Curry and Jack Conan for the Lions, and Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson for Australia, this battle will shape the flow of the game.

Physical Power and the Kicking Game

Beyond set-pieces and breakdowns, this game will also be won through physical battles at the gain-line and the smart use of the kicking game.

Both sides will look to use tactical kicks to gain territory and put their opponents under pressure.

The Wallabies have traditionally been tough to beat at Suncorp Stadium, and their ability to contest high balls and force errors could make a difference.

Meanwhile, the Lions’ power runners will try to smash through defensive lines and dominate the gain line, creating space and opportunities for their backs.

This combination of raw physicality and clever kicking will be crucial in shaping the flow of the match and providing scoring chances.

By Charlie Elliott