The expected Lions team for the first Test against Australia

by Will Matthews · June 24, 2025

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Bookmakers William Hill have revealed the likeliest starting XV for The British & Irish Lions’ first Test against Australia.

Captain Maro Itoje (1/20) is the most likely to take the field in Brisbane, closely followed by hooker Dan Sheehan (1/12). Full-back Blair Kinghorn could face the toughest competition for his starting spot, facing a challenge from Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.

Ireland are expected to provide the most starters (seven), ahead of Scotland and England (both four), while Welsh duo Jac Morgan (6/4) and Tomos Williams (6/1) are outsiders to take on the Wallabies.

William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said:

“Excitement is building ahead of The British & Irish Lions’ tour of Australia, and as Andy Farrell’s side head Down Under, our traders have put together the expected starting XV for the first Test in Brisbane.

“Captain Maro Itoje is a nailed-on 1/20 starter, with hooker Dan Sheehan also a shoo-in at 1/12.

“The full-back position looks to be the most tightly contested, between Blair Kinghorn (8/11) and Hugo Keenan (11/10), while there is little to separate Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Tadhg Furlong and Ellis Genge in the front row.

“We expect the Lions to be mainly made up of Irish starters (seven) with no Welsh in Farrell’s first XV and Scotland and England providing four starters apiece.”