Head Coach Andy Farrell names his first British & Irish Lions team ahead of 1888 Cup

The Lions, playing on Irish soil for the first time, take on the Pumas in the 1888 Cup at the Aviva Stadium on Friday (20:00 kick-off). Saracens and England lock Maro Itoje will captain the side for the very first time as he prepares for his third Tour.

In total 14 players could make their Lions debut against the Pumas. Whilst two-times tourists Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Marcus Smith and Duhan van der Merwe all featured in South Africa in 2021. The Lions can also call on the experience of three-times tourists Elliot Daly and Tadhg Furlong off the bench.

Lions Head Coach Farrell said: “Congratulations to Maro Itoje ahead of leading out the Lions for the first time - it is a truly special moment and one that very few players ever get to experience.

“Maro has led the group well during our time in Portugal and then Dublin this week. This is also our first opportunity to show what the 2025 Lions are about and what we want to stand for as a team.

“We know that Argentina will challenge us up front and out wide - so Friday night will be a tough contest, but also a great occasion for all the fans.”

The British & Irish Lions v Argentina

15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints/England)

13. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland)

12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #837

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #841

10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/England)

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England)

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/England)

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/England) #851

3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/Ireland)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens/England) #825 (c)