Andy Farrell has named a heavyweight British & Irish Lions team for the first Test against the Wallabies, with England lock Maro Itoje set to captain the side in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Saracens enforcer will lead a team loaded with Irish and Scottish influence into the Suncorp Stadium showdown, as the Lions look to make a strong statement in the series opener.

Our line up for Saturday’s first Test! 👊🦁#Lions2025

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 17, 2025

Itoje partners Ireland’s Joe McCarthy in the second row, while the front row packs real punch with Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong all named to start.

ALSO: Schmidt gives ‘brave’ Lynagh keys to Wallabies

Ireland’s Jack Conan starts at No 8, flanked by the tireless Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne, giving the Lions a high-tempo, hard-hitting loose trio to match the Wallabies’ mobility.

In a bold playmaking combo, Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are trusted to steer the ship from halfback, with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones forming an all-Scottish midfield partnership.

The back three – Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Tommy Freeman – promises counter-attacking danger, finishing class and aerial security.

Farrell says the Lions are ready to shift into top gear after easing through their warm-up matches.

“We are entering the business end of the tour and it is time to put in our best performance to date.

“We know how motivated the Wallabies will be and we know they are a well-organised and dangerous side.

“It is a great occasion and a proud moment for Maro Itoje, who will captain the Test side, but also for those players who get the opportunity to represent the group on Saturday night.”

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS — 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Joe McCarthy, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Ellis Genge
Bench: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Bundee Aki.

Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images