Lions' Strategic Lineup for the Series Opener

England flanker Tom Curry is set to start in the back row for the British and Irish Lions in the first Test against Australia, with Wales' Jac Morgan missing out on selection. Morgan, Wales' only representative in the 44-man squad, had been pushing hard for a place on the open-side flank after some outstanding performances on tour. However, Lions boss Andy Farrell is set to opt for Curry's pedigree and experience when the team is confirmed on Thursday.

All-Scottish Midfield

Meanwhile, it is understood Sione Tuipulotu will start at inside centre as part of an all-Scottish midfield. The Glasgow centre is expected to line up in-between fly-half Finn Russell and club-mate Huw Jones. If confirmed, it will be the first time since 1993 one country has provided the 10/12/13 axis in a Lions Test, when Englishmen Rob Andrew, Will Carling, and Jeremy Guscott all played in the series opener against New Zealand.

Competing for Back Row Positions

Elsewhere, Ireland's Tadhg Beirne and England's Ollie Chessum are competing to join Curry and the Irishman Jack Conan in the back row. Beirne's proficiency on the floor could be a potential factor in giving him the nod, especially if the Lions are without Morgan - perhaps the best of the Lions poachers - and with Fraser McReight and the Wallabies' back row desperate to spoil the Lions' breakdown.

Analysis: No Welsh Player Since the 1890s

BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones noted that as the only Welshman on tour, Morgan couldn't have done much more to force his way into the Test team, but to do so would have meant usurping Curry, a man who started all three Tests four years ago and was recently described by former England boss Eddie Jones as one of the most destructive players in the game. It must have been a desperately tight call. With Morgan likely to miss out on the matchday squad altogether, it means there will be no Welsh player in a Lions Test team for the first time since the 1890s; an extraordinary statistic.

Related Topics

• British & Irish Lions
• Rugby Union

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