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9h ago

Lions Expand to 44 as Farrell Wrestles With First Test Selection

Concussion for Garry Ringrose; a head knock for Luke Cowan-Dickie; a knee issue for Blair Kinghorn have prompted three late call-ups, forcing coach Andy Farrell to finalise his first Test XV ahead of the July 19 opener in Brisbane.

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Overview

  • The Lions remain unbeaten in Australia with five straight warm-up victories and an eight-try, 48-0 rout of the combined Australia-New Zealand invitational side in Adelaide.
  • Concussion protocols have ruled out centre Garry Ringrose and cast doubt over hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and fullback Blair Kinghorn for the first Test.
  • Three Scottish internationals—Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham—were added to the roster, expanding the squad to 44 ahead of midweek fixtures and Test selection.
  • Flanker Henry Pollock has publicly set a goal of a 3-0 series whitewash, reflecting the squad’s confidence as they prepare for the July 19 opener in Brisbane.
  • Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster cautioned that breakdown intensity and the pressure of finalising the matchday 23 could test the Lions once the series begins.