Fans are baffled by Sir Clive Woodward's Lions XV, major names miss out
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Sir Clive Woodward believes England's impressive finish to the Six Nations has propelled several of Steve Borthwick's players into contention for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
However, despite the growing English influence, Woodward maintains that Scotland's Finn Russell remains the clear frontrunner to take the No. 10 jersey this summer.
Russell Remains the Key Man at Fly-Half
"The fly-half debate has been blown wide open this year," Woodward wrote for Mail Online. While many expected Russell and Marcus Smith to battle for the role, the emergence of Northampton's Fin Smith and Ireland's Sam Prendergast has shaken things up.
"Fin Smith could well be the understudy to Russell. He looked more assured with every game and offers a more controlled alternative," said Woodward.
"Prendergast sits somewhere in the middle. His passing game is so good that it outweighs any tackling worries, although he will want to improve there."
Jack Willis a Must-Pick Despite Ineligibility
One player Woodward is adamant Farrell must take is Jack Willis, despite his ineligibility for England. "Willis's form for the last two years in France has been extraordinary. He is undoubtedly a Test Lion in waiting," said Woodward.
The back-rower's commitments with Toulouse could see him miss the start of the tour, but Woodward insists his quality makes him worth the wait.
"I'd play Willis at blindside with Caelan Doris at No 8 and either Jac Morgan or Tom Curry on the openside," he said. Curry's superb Six Nations performance has him in pole position to partner Willis and Doris.
Kinghorn and Jones to Lead a Scottish Surge
Scotland's Blair Kinghorn, another Toulouse star, is also a player Woodward believes Farrell cannot ignore. "Like Willis, Kinghorn is up there with the best players available to Farrell," he said. Kinghorn's attacking flair makes him an exciting back-three option.
Woodward is also backing a Scottish centre pairing for the Lions. "Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu can leapfrog the Irish midfield options who have not had the threat of recent seasons," he said. "I really like Jones. He's in great form, and Tuipulotu, if fit, will intimidate Australia."
Stuart's Late Surge Puts Him in Contention
England's Will Stuart has emerged as a serious contender at tighthead after a strong Six Nations. "Tighthead is an interesting one and Stuart has really grown in stature. He will rival Scotland's Zander Fagerson hard, with Tadhg Furlong struggling for fitness," said Woodward.
Doris or Itoje for Captain
As for leadership, Woodward believes the Lions will be in safe hands regardless of who dons the captain's armband. "Either Doris or Maro Itoje would be my captain. Both are certain starters and would carry out the role expertly," he said.
Clive Woodward's Lions Test XV for Australia:
Blair Kinghorn; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Willis, Tom Curry, Caelan Doris (captain).
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2025 British & Irish Lions Squad: Bookies' Predictions for the Tour
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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