With the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour well underway, most players have now had their chance to impress. Some have already booked their spots in the test side, while others face mounting pressure to prove their worth. Here’s a look at three standout performers and three still under scrutiny.
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Finn Russell
Finn Russell’s transformation over the past few years has
been remarkable. Once known for his high-risk, high-reward playing style, Russell
has evolved into a mature player. A composed fly-half who brings structure
without losing the creative spark that makes him so dangerous. On the British
and Irish Lions tour 2025, he’s appeared as the strong favourite for the No. 10
shirt.
With a dominant forward pack providing a solid platform,
Russell has orchestrated the attack with confidence. Mixing pinpoint spiral
passes with clever tactical kicking, he’s no longer the chaos merchant of old. But
rather a masterful game manager who still has the flair to unlock defences when
needed. It’s hard to see anyone else starting at fly-half when the tests begin.
Maro Itoje
Maro Itoje continues to be the heartbeat of the British and
Irish Lions’ forward pack. As tour captain, he has embraced both the leadership
role and the responsibility of performing at the highest level. On the pitch,
Itoje is everywhere disrupting breakdowns, leading defensive lines, and
contributing to set-piece play. His ability to jack the ball at 6'6 is freakish,
and his engine is unmatched.
While the lineout still requires fine-tuning, that’s a
shared challenge and not a mark against Itoje individually. What stands out
most is his consistency. Itoje doesn’t dip, he delivers. His presence in the
test XV is as close to guaranteed as it gets on this tour.
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Jack Conan
Jack Conan is, in conclusion, having the kind of tour that
demands test choice. Long used as a high-impact substitute for Leinster,
Ireland, and even in previous Lions series. Conan is now showing why he
deserves to start. A true No. 8 in a sea of hybrid back-rowers, Conan offers
the type of go-forward ball carrying and physical presence that test rugby
thrives on.
He consistently makes hard metres and adds a dynamic threat around the fringes. While others vie for the six and seven shirts, Conan looks locked in at eight. His performances have been quietly dominant — the kind that coaches love because they simplify selection.
Three British and Irish Lions with Questions Still to Answer
Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan van der Merwe remains one of the most dynamic
ball-carriers in world rugby. His explosive pace and physicality make him a
constant threat with the ball in hand. Often demands multiple defenders just to
bring him down. On this British and Irish Lions tour, he has continued to
deliver offensively, consistently breaking tackles and creating chaos in wide
channels.
However, test match rugby demands more than just attacking
flair. With competition fierce in the back three, especially from the likes of
James Lowe, who offers a more balanced all-around game. Van der Merwe needs to
sharpen his kicking, aerial ability, and defensive work. In Lions selection,
attack is often assumed; it’s the other facets of the game that separate
starters from spectators.
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Will Stuart
Will Stuart has built a reputation as one of England’s most
reliable tighthead props, showing massive improvements in the past 18 months.
His physicality and technical strong points in the scrum make him an appreciated
asset. Under normal circumstances, he would have time to build into the tour.
Unfortunately, the Lions' setup doesn’t allow for slow starts. With Tadhg Furlong and Finlay Bealham both starting games where the British and Irish Lions conceded no scrum penalties. Stuart’s outing against the Reds, where the team gave away four, raised concerns.
Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith is undoubtedly one of the most talented
playmakers in the northern hemisphere. However, on this tour, he’s been cast as
a utility back rather than a specialist fly-half, which may hinder rather than
help his chances. Finn Russell has all but secured the No. 10 jersey, and at
fullback, Smith finds himself behind both Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn in the
pecking order.
The situation wasn’t helped by Elliot Daly’s outstanding
form before injury. Smith’s natural creativity and attacking instincts are
assets, but questions remain over his positional future in the test squad. Can
he shine in a hybrid role, or is his brilliance better suited to a more defined
position? The next few games will be crucial in answering that.
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