Marcus Smith was given the first opportunity to be impressed with the fullbacks of the British and Ireland Lions after being selected to face Argentina on Friday.
Andy Farrell announced his first team as Lions coach on Wednesday ahead of the warm-up clash Rospuma In Dublin.
Smith has recently switched between England’s fly half and fullback, with Farrell highlighting his versatility as an important reason behind his choice for the Australian tour.
Backrow Pollock made his English debut in Northampton’s fantastic campaign before stealing the headline when the team was named in May.
The match against Argentina was chosen by strong English terms alongside countryman Fin Smith, who starts with Alex Mitchell as fly half.
Ireland’s Bandiaki was named in the middle alongside Scottish captain Sione Twi Protou.
Tommy Freeman starts on the right with Duhan van der Merwe on the left.
In Forward, Ellis Jenge gets the opportunity to start with loose head props. Luke Cowan Dickey is at the forefront of Hooker and Ireland’s Finlay Bealham.
Lions captain Malo Itsje will lead the side for the first time and partner with Tadge Bale in the Rock. The backrow is formed of blindside flankers, Welsh Captain Jack Morgan, openside captain Jack Morgan, and Ben Earl in the jersey number 8.
Farrell can call powerful benches that include Ronan Kelleher, Pierre Schoeman, Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Pollock, Tomos Williams, Elliot Daly and Mack Hansen.
“Congratulations to Malo Itoge before leading the Lions for the first time. It’s a truly special moment, and a moment where there are few players going to experience it,” Farrell said.
“Maro led the group well this week in Portugal and Dublin, which is also the first opportunity to show what the Lion is in 2025 and what we want to protect as a team.
“We know that Argentina will challenge us widely in advance, so Friday nights will not only be a tough contest, but it will also be a great opportunity for all our fans.”
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