Foot injury puts Hansen’s Lions Test debut in serious doubt as the British and Irish Lions prepare for their first Test against Australia, with both Mack Hansen and Blair Kinghorn facing fitness concerns ahead of the Brisbane clash. Hansen hurt his foot during the Lions’ 48-0 win over an AUNZ Invitational XV and missed Tuesday’s full training session, putting his chances of featuring in the Test at Suncorp Stadium at risk.
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Hansen and Kinghorn Facing Fitness Battles
Hansen, who was likely to be named on the bench to cover the back three, has limited time to prove his fitness before the squad is finalised. Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth shared that while the injury is not considered serious, the team will know more by Wednesday. Kinghorn, expected to start at full-back, is also racing against time to recover from a knee injury he picked up against the ACT Brumbies on 9 July. He hasn’t trained fully yet and will be assessed further within the next 24 hours.
Team Selection Almost Finalised
Despite the fitness worries, the Lions have already picked their team for the series opener, with adjustments possible depending on late fitness updates. Players will be informed of the selection on Wednesday, and head coach Andy Farrell will publicly announce the final team on Thursday. The key selection debates remain around the flankers and inside centre positions, with strong competition across these areas.
Key Positions Up for Grabs
The number six jersey is being contested between Tadhg Beirne and Ollie Chessum, with Chessum’s strong tour form putting him slightly ahead, while Beirne’s leadership in midweek games adds to his case. The openside flanker spot is highly competitive, with Tom Curry, Josh van der Flier, and Jac Morgan all making strong cases to start. Another possible option would see Curry at blindside and either van der Flier or Morgan at openside, which could move Beirne or Chessum into the second row alongside Maro Itoje, potentially replacing Joe McCarthy.
Midfield Decisions Await
In the backs, Garry Ringrose’s concussion absence makes Huw Jones a confirmed starter at outside centre. Farrell now faces a choice between Bundee Aki, who has been a powerful presence in midfield, and Sione Tuipulotu, who has built chemistry with Finn Russell and Jones, for the inside centre slot. Russell is confirmed to start at fly-half, while Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith are pushing for places on the bench.
Coaching Staff Emphasise Collaborative Selection
Wigglesworth explained that selection meetings throughout the tour have been open and collaborative, with every coach able to share their views before reaching a decision. The Lions face the Wallabies on Saturday, and fans can follow the live action on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app from 11 am.
