In Brisbane, Australia, the British and Irish Lions rugby team suffered a setback as Tomos Williams has been forced out of their tour due to a hamstring injury. Williams, injured during the Lions’ dominant opening victory over the Western Force in Perth, was poised to be a key player on the tour. Consequently, Scotland scrumhalf Ben White, playing in France, has been called up to replace him. Head Coach Andy Farrell expressed his disappointment over the loss, highlighting Williams’ significant contribution and popularity within the squad.
Williams was one of only two players from Wales in the Lions squad and was injured while scoring his second try during their 54-7 victory against the Force last Saturday. White, who was with the Scottish team in New Zealand, shared his excitement upon receiving the call for this prestigious opportunity, describing it as both an honor and a dream come true.
As the Lions embark on a nine-match series in Australia, including three test matches scheduled for July 19, 26, and August 2, they are set to face Queensland this week. Maro Itoje has been reappointed as the tour captain for the upcoming match against Queensland, pairing up in the second row with Ollie Chessum. In a major reshuffle, the matchday 23 has been adjusted once more to ensure that all players become acclimated to the conditions. Finn Russell remains the only player from the first match retained in the starting lineup.
Accompanying Russell, Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park will debut as scrumhalf, with Hugo Keenan starting at fullback. James Ryan is also expected to make his Lions debut as a substitute. The center lineup sees a new pairing with Bundee Aki and Huw Jones, showcasing the third different combination in as many matches. Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher join England’s Will Stuart in the front row, while Jack Conan (Ireland) is set to start alongside Tom Curry (England) and Jac Morgan (Wales).
Following the game against Queensland, the only players yet to feature in the lineup will be Ben White and Blair Kinghorn, who recently contributed to Toulouse’s victory in the French Top 14 title. In 2013, the Lions recorded a 22-12 win over Queensland and later triumphed in the test series against Australia. Queensland’s coach, Les Kiss, who served as Ireland’s assistant coach, has put together a squad featuring nine Wallabies and two former All Blacks props.
Jock Campbell will helm the Queensland Reds, supported by a robust lineup that includes Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook in the midfield. The Reds’ pack will be bolstered by the return of hooker Matt Faessler, joined by props Aidan Ross and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, both of whom played against the Lions in 2017. The forwards are further strengthened by the presence of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and flanker Seru Uru. Kiss anticipates a challenging game based on the Lions’ recent performances against Argentina and the Western Force.
Lineups for the clash are as follows:
– British and Irish Lions: Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Huw Jones (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Finn Russell (Scotland), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); Jack Conan (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Tom Curry (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Maro Itoje (England, captain), Will Stuart (England), Ronan Kelleher (Ireland), Andrew Porter (Ireland). Reserves include Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, and others.
– Queensland Reds: Jock Campbell (captain), Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Kalani Thomas; Joe Brial, John Bryant, Seru Uru, Lakhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross. Reserves include Josh Nasser, George Blake, among others.