Andy Farrell opts for Irish core to Lions line-up for first Test

Tadhg Furlong playing for British & Irish Lions against Argentina at Aviva Stadium. Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Tadhg Furlong will make his seventh consecutive Test start for the British & Irish Lions on Saturday, one of a record eight Ireland players set to start against Australia in the opening Test of the 2025 series at Suncorp stadium.

Lions head coach Andy Farrell revealed his hand in Brisbane on Thursday morning Irish time and named a further three Irishmen among his replacements.