British & Irish Lions: Winners and Losers from team to Face the Brumbies

Following their impressive 38–22 win over the Waratahs, the British & Irish Lions have named a fresh-looking side to take on the Brumbies in Canberra on 9 July. With each fixture on this tour serving both as preparation and selection trial ahead of the Test series, every lineup offers clues about the coaches’ thinking. The squad to face the Brumbies features several notable inclusions and absentees that could have a lasting impact on the Lions' Test ambitions. Here's a look at three players whose stocks are rising — and three who may be slipping down the pecking order.

Winners

Maro Itoje
Named captain, Itoje is clearly one of the first names on the Test team sheet. His leadership and performances continue to make him a key figure in the squad.

Finn Russell
Russell starts at fly-half again, showing the coaches trust his game management and attacking flair. He’s firmly in the mix to lead the Lions’ backline in the Tests.

Tommy Freeman
Freeman gets a big opportunity on the wing ahead of more established names. He’s clearly impressed in camp and has a chance to stake a real claim.

Losers

Marcus Smith
Smith remains on the bench behind Russell. With limited games left, his chances of breaking into the Test XV are fading.

Ben Earl
Not included in the squad at all, Earl’s omission is surprising after a strong season. He looks to have slipped down the back-row order.

Owen Farrell
Having just joined the squad you feel he will need to get game time if he were to be considered for the opening tests however Andy Farrell did say in a press conference that Owen would only likely be considered from the AUNZ Invitational clash this saturday