Marcus Smith has been given his first probability to impress at fullback for the British & Irish Lions after being named to start out towards Argentina on Friday, whereas 20-year-old Henry Pollock will begin on the bench.
Andy Farrell introduced his first squad as Lions coach on Wednesday forward of the warm-up conflict towards Los Pumas in Dublin.
Smith has been switched between fly-half and fullback for England in latest occasions, with Farrell highlighting his versatility as a key cause behind his choice for the tour of Australia.
Again-row Pollock stole the headlines when the squad was named in Might after making his England debut amid a stellar marketing campaign for Northampton.
A robust English contingent has been chosen for the match towards Argentina, with Alex Mitchell at scrum-half alongside countryman Fin Smith who will begin at fly-half.
Eire’s Bundee Aki has been named within the midfield alongside Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu, who has recovered from a pectoral damage damage which noticed him miss the Six Nations.
Tommy Freeman begins on the fitting wing with Duhan van der Merwe on the left.
Within the forwards, Ellis Genge will get the chance to start out at loose-head prop, with Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker and Eire’s Finlay Bealham forming the front-row.
Lions captain Maro Itoje leads the facet for the primary time, partnering Tadgh Beirne at lock. The back-row is shaped of Tom Curry at blindside flanker, Wales captain Jac Morgan at openside and Ben Earl within the No. 8 jersey.
Farrell will be capable of name on a powerful bench which incorporates Ronan Kelleher, Pierre Schoeman, Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Pollock, Tomos Williams, Elliot Daly and Mack Hansen.
“Congratulations to Maro Itoje forward of main out the Lions for the primary time — it’s a actually particular second and one that only a few gamers ever get to expertise,” Farrell mentioned.
“Maro has led the group nicely throughout our time in Portugal after which Dublin this week. That is additionally our first alternative to point out what the 2025 Lions are about and what we need to stand for as a crew.
“We all know that Argentina will problem us up entrance and out huge – so Friday night time will probably be a troublesome contest, but in addition a fantastic event for all of the followers.”
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