Andy Farrell's Lions tour selection process is underway, with a number of foreign-based players vying for spots. The article discusses the challenges Farrell faces in selecting his XV, highlighting the form of players like Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan.
The first thing to remember is that selection is purely down to the head coach, Andy Farrell - he is not under any pressure to fill quotas or anything of the sort. The second is he was watching Ireland beat Australia in November - but it needed a converted try seven minutes from time overhauling a four-point deficit. Farrell will also be spending time in France looking at those who are eligible for the Tour.
Unlike England and Ireland who won’t pick foreign-based players for the national side, the Lions have no such barrier. Blair Kinghorn, Jack Willis (Toulouse), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux), Kyle Sinckler, Dave Ribbans, Lewis Ludlum, Dan Biggar, Ben White and soon-to-arrive Zach Mercer (Toulon) are at top three clubs in the Top 14. Others such as Jack Nowell (La Rochelle), Harry Williams, Sam Simmonds, Stuart Hogg (Montpellier), Owen Farrell, Henry Arundel (Racing 92) and Joe Marchant (Stade Francais) might catch the eye. There is still a fair way to go the opening Lions game, against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, but the big conversation is the XV to face Australia in the First Test in Brisbane on July 19. At full-back, BLAIR KINGHORN, based at Toulouse, may well be playing for the back-to-back European and Top 14 champions which will mean he has had the better of Hugo Keenan at club level — again. Keenan would be as good a full-back as the Lions have ever had and indeed, may be just pure unlucky here, while England supporters will be talking up Tommy Furbank, albeit the Northampton player is not as good under a dropping ball as either Kinghorn or Keena
LIONS TOUR SELECTION FARRELL KINGHORN KEENAN
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Attack and lineout issues top of Simon Easterby's in-tray as he steps up to Ireland jobEasterby will take interim charge as Andy Farrell heads off with the Lions.
Read more »
Constitution Hill Faces Tough Test Against Lossiemouth in Christmas HurdleConstitution Hill, a highly-rated hurdler, returns to racing after a year of speculation about his form. He faces a tough challenge from Lossiemouth, the favorite for Cheltenham's championship.
Read more »
TRY MUNSTER! (Farrell)The latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Farrell the hat-trick try hero for Munster as they pinch the points away to UlsterThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Fantastic Farrell hat-trick snatches win for Munster over 14-man UlsterTom Farrell’s third try of the evening won the game for the visitors at the death
Read more »
Tom Farrell inspires Munster to dramatic victory over UlsterSummer signing Farrell struck in the 79th minute to win it after home sub James McNabney thought he had clinched an heroic victory for the hosts at Kingspan Stadium
Read more »