Brian O'Driscoll has picked his 2025 Lions centre partnership
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Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll has tipped Sione Tuipulotu as a guaranteed pick for the British & Irish Lions inside centre role, fitness permitting, as the 2025 tour to Australia looms.
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The Scotland star has been in scintillating form for both club and country, earning widespread praise and putting himself on Andy Farrell’s radar for the prestigious series.
But it's not just Tuipulotu who has caught O'Driscoll's eye. The iconic centre also threw his support behind Ireland's Garry Ringrose as the ideal partner for the Scottish powerhouse, edging out Huw Jones for the coveted outside centre role.
“Tuipulotu plus one”: O'Driscoll's call on the 13 jersey
Speaking on Off The Ball, O’Driscoll explained why Tuipulotu's name should be written in ink on the team sheet. “I think there's a very, very strong chance that if he stays fit, he could be the starting Lions 12,” O’Driscoll said. “Defensively, he's very, very good, but he does offer something different than the other 13s.”
While Tuipulotu’s inside centre spot seems secure, O'Driscoll acknowledged the decision at 13 isn't as straightforward. Huw Jones' chemistry with Tuipulotu at Scotland could tempt Farrell to keep the pair together, but the former Lions captain believes Ringrose has the edge.
Why Ringrose over Jones?
“Huw Jones, I don't think, has the ball-playing ability quite like Garry, albeit he runs great lines,” O'Driscoll said. “At the moment, it's Tuipulotu plus one, with an inclination to probably veer towards Garry Ringrose. I'm sure Huw Jones, in his partnership with Tuipulotu, will have something to say about it.”
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