British and Irish Lions reveal Starting Lineup for Historic Dublin Opener
The British and irish Lions are set to commence their 2025 tour with a landmark clash against Argentina in Dublin, featuring England’s Fin Smith at fly-half. marcus Smith will take the full-back role, creating an exciting backline partnership that promises dynamic play. This opening match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, marks the Lions’ inaugural game ever hosted on Irish soil.
Maro Itoje to Captain Side in crucial Dublin Encounter
Maro Itoje has been named captain for this pivotal fixture,leading Andy Farrell’s squad as they face the Argentine Pumas before heading to Australia. Itoje’s leadership brings invaluable experience and toughness to a team eager to make a strong statement from the outset.
Strong English representation Among Home Nations Talent Pool
The starting fifteen includes nine English players such as Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, and captain Maro Itoje. They are joined by three players from Ireland, two Scotsmen, and one Welshman-Jac Morgan-showcasing a well-rounded blend of talent across the British Isles.
Innovative Backline Combinations Poised To Impress Fans
the back-three features Tommy Freeman alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe flanking Marcus Smith at full-back. In midfield, centres Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) and Bundee Aki (Ireland), both traditionally inside-centres, have been paired due to Huw Jones’ absence-a fresh tactical move by Farrell’s coaching staff designed to maximize creativity.
half-Back Duo From Northampton Expected To Control Play
At half-back positions sit scrum-half Alex Mitchell partnering with Fin Smith in what is anticipated as an energetic combination aimed at dictating tempo and launching incisive attacks throughout the match.
A Balanced Forward pack Brings Power Across All Positions
The front row combines England’s Ellis Genge and Luke Cowan-Dickie with Ireland’s Finlay Bealham providing robust scrummaging strength.The second row pairs captain Maro Itoje alongside Tadhg Beirne of Ireland. The back row consists of Tom Curry operating at blindside flanker; Jac Morgan covering openside; while Ben Earl commands No 8 duties.
Among replacements is Northampton Saints’ Henry Pollock who offers fresh energy off the bench. Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher also features among substitutes-the only player involved who participated in last weekend’s domestic finals-ready to make an impact when called upon.
Tadhg Furlong returns From Injury To Strengthen Bench Depth
Tadhg Furlong has recovered from a calf injury just in time for selection among replacements along with versatile backs Elliot Daly and Mack Hansen providing valuable cover across multiple positions.
Lions Coach Highlights intense Competition For Test Spots Ahead of Australia tour
“Competition within this squad is incredibly fierce,” stated head coach Andy Farrell ahead of Friday’s game. “I’ve attempted several times now to pick what I believe our Test side could look like but it remains impossible as so many players are pushing hard-that’s exactly how it should be.”
“Friday night offers these athletes not only an opportunity to impress their teammates watching but also stake their claim for selection against Australia,” he added.
“We want cohesion immediately-a team that connects offensively right from kickoff.”
“excuses about limited preparation time don’t hold here; we’ve had solid build-up sessions so if you want those iconic red jerseys come July you need to perform promptly.”
Lions Starting XV vs Argentina – Dublin Lineup (live on Sky Sports)
- Backs: 15 Marcus Smith; 14 Tommy Freeman; 13 Sione Tuipulotu; 12 bundee Aki; 11 Duhan van der Merwe;
- Half-backs: 10 Fin Smith; 9 Alex Mitchell;
- Forwards: 1 Ellis Genge; 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie; 3 Finlay Bealham;
- Second Row:4 Maro Itoje (c);5 Tadhg Beirne;
- Back Row:6 Tom Curry;7 Jac Morgan;8 Ben Earl;
Banks & Replacements include:
- #16 Ronan Kelleher #17 Pierre Schoeman #18 Tadhg Furlong #19 Scott Cummings #20 Henry pollock #21 Tomos Williams #22 Elliot Daly #23 Mack Hansen
An Overview Of Argentina’s Starting Squad For The Clash
- Santiago Carreras starts at full-back with Rodrigo Isgro positioned on right wing.
Lucio Cinti partners Justo Piccardo in midfield while Ignacio Mendy covers left wing.
Tomas albornoz directs play at fly-half supported by Gonzalo Garcia at scrum-half.
The forward pack led by captain julian Montoya includes Mayco vivas anchoring front-row duties plus Pedro Rubiolo locking second row alongside Franco Molina.
Pablo Matera leads loose forwards backed by Juan Martin Gonzalez & Joaquin Oviedo completing the back-row trio.
(Replacements include Bautista Bernasconi among others.)
A Preview Of The British & Irish Lions Summer ’25 Tour Schedule
| Date | Opponent Team | Venue Location |
|---|---|---|
| Friday June 20 2025 | Argentina | dublin ,ireland |
| Saturday June 28 2025 | Western Force | Perth ,australia |
| Wednesday July 02 2025 | Queensland Reds | < td>Sydney ,Australia|
This Summer: Exclusive Live Coverage On Sky Sports Throughout The Tour
This summer presents fans worldwide with exclusive access as Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage exclusively for all six warm-up matches plus every thrilling moment across all three Tests between the British & Irish Lions versus Wallabies during their australian campaign-ensuring no rugby fan misses any pulse-pounding action throughout this historic tour season.
