Because the 2025 Six Nations heats up, this 12 months’s match carries with it the underlying theme of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer season. Who will play their approach into head coach Andy Farrell’s facet, and who will heartachingly miss out?
Each participant will attempt to assist their house nation to succeed, however they will even be hoping to impress and guide their seat on the airplane down beneath.
Every week, ESPN writers James Regan and Tom Hamilton choose their XV.
1. Andrew Porter, Eire (prop)
Certainly one of many few who’ve a beginning place nearly definitely sewn up. Porter has develop into one in every of Eire’s most influential gamers and is a dominant power Farrell will be capable of rely on within the massive moments.
2. Dan Sheehan, Eire (hooker)
Sheehan has been a dependable soldier for Farrell all through Eire’s profitable interval. Whereas England duo Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie in addition to Scotland’s Ewan Ashman will all push for a spot in Australia, Sheehan will likely be arduous to displace right here.
3. Zander Fagerson, Scotland (prop)
Fagerson has made Scotland’s No. 3 jersey his personal in latest occasions and would supply one thing totally different to the front-row whereas taking part in alongside the 2 Irishman. Control the injured Eire tighthead Tadgh Furlong although, who Farrell may flip to regardless of his lack of worldwide taking part in time in latest months.
4. Maro Itoje, England (lock)
Search for Itoje to go to a different degree for England this Six Nations after being handed the captaincy by Steve Borthwick. You’d think about Farrell will likely be delighted with the transfer, and it may even push Itoje’s case to steer the Lions out in Australia.
5. Joe McCarthy Eire, (lock)
A lock mixture of McCarthy and Itoje seems like one in every of this facet’s greatest strengths. With the way in which they affect video games, you additionally get the sensation they’re two of the gamers Farrell will likely be hoping to keep away from damage greater than most.
6. Tadgh Beirne, Eire, (lock)
Beirne can play lock, however Farrell has typically most well-liked him as a No. 6. with Peter O’Mahoney now coming off the bench for Eire. Beirne had an immense 2024, named in World Rugby’s “Dream Crew” for the second time (though sure, each occasions had been at lock!). Taking part in him at No. 6 additionally fingers Farrell the choice of getting Beirne, McCarthy and Itoje within the beginning XV.
7. Rory Darge, Scotland (flanker)
Darge has develop into a formidable asset for Scotland as one in every of their co-captains. Whereas he can break the road and get his facet on the entrance foot within the blink of an eye fixed, his work fee with the gritty facet of the sport can also be exceptional. Nevertheless, the flanker place is fiercely aggressive on each side of the scrum for the Lions this 12 months.
Look out for England pair Tom Curry and Sam Underhill. Jac Morgan may very well be one of many few gamers from Wales to power themselves into the facet whereas (after all) Eire have an choice there within the type of Josh van der Flier.
8. Caelan Doris, Eire (No. 8)
As sure as you may get at this stage of the 12 months by way of choosing a beginning participant for the Lions. Hardly ever, if ever, lets Eire down and is a weapon on each side of the ball. It is going to be between Doris and Itoje for the captaincy, with the Irishman out in entrance for that position as nicely at this level.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park, Eire (scrum-half)
Whereas Gibson-Park has been in type and will be relied upon as a protected pair of fingers, Alex Mitchell may undoubtedly power his approach into the facet by displaying how essential he’s for England all through the Six Nations. Both approach, offering they keep match, each could be wonderful choices. Tomos Williams is additionally one to observe as he will likely be key in Wales’ makes an attempt to dig themselves out of a horrid dropping streak.
10. Finn Russell, Scotland (fly-half)
A generational expertise, this tour seems like a golden alternative for Russell to cement a legacy for himself. With Scotland struggling to recover from the road within the Six Nations and coping with a number of accidents this 12 months, Russell can stamp his authority on the worldwide stage even additional with the Lions. Marcus Smith will likely be seeking to supply one thing totally different for the crew within the No. 10 jersey, whereas Eire’s Sam Prendergast — a Farrell favorite — may show a bolter for the squad.
11. James Lowe, Eire (winger)
The shape winger over the previous couple of years, he has been a key determine on Eire’s success in assault and defence. At all times reliable, he’ll need a sturdy Six Nations to reaffirm his grip on the jersey having lately returned from damage.
Scotland’s Duhan Van der Merwe has additionally develop into one of the feared wingers within the Six Nations and will likely be respiration down Lowe’s neck for the well-known No. 11 jumper.
12. Bundee Aki, Eire (centre)
If he’s match, you’ll anticipate Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu to be the primary alternative right here. Nevertheless, a pectoral damage means he will not get the possibility to cement his spot within the Six Nations. Aki was on the 2021 tour of South Africa and is within the lucky place of being aware of Farrell.
13. Garry Ringrose, Eire (centre)
The midfield is arguably essentially the most intriguing choice of this XV, given no participant (apart from Tuipulotu) has asserted themselves above the remaining. Ought to Aki get the nod at 12, Ringrose or incumbent Robbie Henshaw may slot in at 13 given their Eire partnerships. England’s OIlie Lawrence will likely be seeking to make an impression after a barely underwhelming autumn sequence.
Lawrence, teammate Henry Slade and Scotland’s Huw Jones will all be within the combine.
14. Mack Hansen, Eire (winger)
You may definitely rely on Hansen, however the 14 jersey does really feel like it’s up for grabs. Scotland’s Darcy Graham has returned to the fold, and England ace Immanuel Feyi-Waboso can also be an choice right here, though he’s in a race towards the clock after opting to endure shoulder surgical procedure which is able to maintain him out of the Six Nations.
15. Blair Kinghorn, Scotland (fullback)
Having develop into a key determine in Scotland’s backline, Kinghorn has an opportunity to take the subsequent step into the Lions enviornment with a robust Six Nations. With their accidents, Scotland will likely be up towards it, but it surely provides Kinghorn the chance to stamp his personal authority on the squad on and off the pitch, which may flip Farrell’s head. Eire’s Hugo Keenan will possible be the principle challenger to Kinghorn.
– British & Irish Lions 2025: Australia tour fixtures
– How Simon Easterby’s Eire will look with out Andy Farrell
– Why every crew will discover Six Nations success, and why they will not
– WATCH: Can Scotland win their first title since 1999? ESPN writers debate
– Six Nations and Girls’s Six Nations: Full fixture listing
