Andy Farrell admits he has tried to predict his British & Irish Lions Test squad but the strength-in-depth at his disposal has made that all-but impossible.
Farrell has announced his match-day 23 to face Argentina for the 1888 Cup, in what is set to be a mouth-watering summer curtain-raiser before they fly to Australia this weekend.
The Head Coach has made some eye-catching decisions, with Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu named at centre and four openside flankers across the starting team and bench.
Farrell has had almost two weeks of preparation with a portion of his squad, while those who featured in the Premiership and URC finals joined on Monday.
The quality in training has been sky-high and he admits those selected for Friday’s game at the Aviva Stadium have the first chance to stake a claim for a Test jersey later this summer.
“It is exciting isn’t it,” he said. “I did an exercise a couple of weeks ago, and I have done it five times since, what the Test side could look like but there is no point going there because there are so many options.
“This team on Friday can show those sat in the stands what they are all about.
“The squad are just trying to gain respect off one another, and I am sure World Rugby will be watching to see how Argentina and us perform, but these guys just want to impress one another first and foremost.
“It was very exciting to name the squad and tell the boys who are the first to represent this group. The group we took to Portugal are ahead of the game and we got a sense of some combinations.
“For the others who joined us on Monday, it’s nice for them to have some time getting to know the lads and see what’s going on.
“We have had one training session so it is nice to get everyone together finally.”
Maro Itoje will captain the Lions on Friday night, while other headline selections include Fin Smith at fly-half and Marcus Smith at full-back.
Farrell says he nearly has a fully-fit squad, with Duhan van der Merwe, Tadhg Furlong and Mack Hansen all named in the 23 after recent concerns, and Huw Jones and Jamison Gibson-Park nearing a return.
Scrum-half Gibson-Park is managing a minor glute strain, with Farell drafting England’s Jack van Poortvliet into the camp this cover this week, but is expected to be fully fit next week.
“Good news on most of the injuries,” Farrell said.
“They are all a week away from being fit. We didn’t know until Jamison got a scan on Monday night and that was positive result, so Jack comes over for this game and Jamison will be back a week after.
“Huw Jones has trained with us this week, he is back in full training so that is great. Hugo Keenan came in a couple of days ago, so that is great.
“There is always a few bumps and bruises and rugby, but we are in good shape.”
Friday’s match is the first opportunity for the Lions to lay down a marker ahead of a highly-anticipated tour with Australia – but Farrell warned Argentina, ranked fifth in the world, will be no pushover.
“There is no surprise as far as that is concerned,” he added.
“They are a well-drilled rugby team who have been playing great rugby for 18 months. They have beaten everyone in their path.
“We realise how special it is for them and what a privilege for them to be at the Aviva, it is a special occasion for all. We are looking forward to it.”
