Bath tighthead prop Will Stuart has a pivotal 60 minutes to prove himself and earn a place in the British and Irish Lions’ Test squad ahead of their opening match against the Wallabies in just 10 days.
Before the tour, Stuart was widely regarded as the leading candidate for the number three jersey, following an outstanding 2024/25 season with both Bath and England. However, the return to full fitness of Irish star Tadhg Furlong and the strong form of Finlay Bealham have intensified competition, leaving Stuart fighting for a spot in the upcoming international series.
The 28-year-old starts for the Lions in their game against the AUNZ Invitational XV at Adelaide Oval this Saturday. This will be the final opportunity for head coach Andy Farrell to evaluate his squad before naming the matchday 23 to face the Wallabies. Joining Stuart in the front row are Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman and England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie.
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The back row features Northampton Saints and England’s Henry Pollock on the blindside flank, Wales captain Jac Morgan from Ospreys at openside, and Saracens’ Ben Earl filling the number eight position.
Munster’s Tadhg Beirne will captain the side from the second row alongside Leinster’s James Ryan. Scotland’s Ben White, currently with Toulon, earns his first start on tour and pairs with England’s Fin Smith at half-back. Midfield duties lie with Glasgow Warriors’ Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, while Leinster’s Hugo Keenan makes his second tour appearance. The back three is completed by Mack Hansen of Connacht and Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe.
Among the replacements is Saracens and England’s Owen Farrell, who is set to make his 19th Lions appearance.
Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell commented, “We’re in a strong position with just over a week before the First Test. This game offers another chance for players to deliver a powerful performance and stake their claim for Test selection. Les Kiss has brought together a highly experienced and well-organized AUNZ squad that will bring physical intensity to the contest.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 11am UK time and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
British & Irish Lions Starting XV:
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/Ireland), 14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Ireland), 13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland), 12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland), 11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh/Scotland), 10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/England), 9. Ben White (Toulon/Scotland), 1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh/Scotland), 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/England), 3. Will Stuart (Bath/England), 4. James Ryan (Leinster/Ireland), 5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Ireland, captain), 6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/England), 7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/Wales), 8. Ben Earl (Saracens/England).
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Finlay Bealham, Scott Cummings, Josh van der Flier, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell.
AUNZ Invitational XV Starting XV:
15. Shaun Stevenson, 14. AJ Lam, 13. Ngani Laumape, 12. David Havili (co-captain), 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Tane Edmed, 9. Folau Fakatava, 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-captain), 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Pete Samu, 8. Hoskins Sotutu.
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, George Dyer, Matt Philip, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jock Campbell.