Sir Clive: These six Lions have the most to prove against Argentina

I know from my own experience just what Andy Farrell and his team will be going through this week. 

In 2005, I was head coach of the British & Irish Lions for the tour of New Zealand and we also warmed up against Argentina.

That game was in Cardiff before heading to the southern hemisphere and was also the first chance for the players on that Lions tour to impress. Things didn’t quite go to plan.

We ended up drawing 25-25 with an under-strength Pumas side, relying on the boot of Jonny Wilkinson not to lose.

It wasn’t a great start, despite the Lions fielding a strong side. The first match of any Lions tour can be difficult, simply because of the limited time you have to train together as a squad.

That said, the team named by Andy Farrell to take on the Pumas in Dublin on Friday is packed full of pace and power. Across the board it is incredibly strong. It is one that should have enough for victory, despite the fact Argentina’s team is also very good.

Of Farrell’s matchday 23, 21 were at the training camp in Portugal last week, so they’ve had an extra seven days or so to gel. They were also able to get a headstart on impressing Farrell and his team, with the players who played in finals for Bath, Leicester, Leinster and Glasgow missing from the group.

So, who can steal a march in the race for a Lions starting Test shirt? And who has the most to prove? Here, I’ve picked out the six players who need a big performance at the Aviva. 

1. Marcus Smith

I’ve been consistent in saying I think Marcus Smith has to play fly half. I was interested to read his interview in Mail Sport last week in which he said: ‘I’m a 10 that can play 15. I want to play 10 though.’

Marcus, I completely agree with you! Full back is not Marcus Smith’s best position. I don’t think he should start big Test matches for England or the Lions there.

But the reality is that with Finn Russell and Fin Smith both in Farrell’s squad, his chances to be the primary playmaker might be limited. That is why the Argentina game is so big for him.

Marcus Smith looked back to his best for Harlequins once he was selected by the Lions. I want to see him bring his trademark dynamism from the backfield.

It’s a big chance for him because Farrell has stated he has been picked for this Lions tour as a utility player and the other full backs aren’t here yet – Hugo Keenan is nursing an injury and Blair Kinghorn is yet to join up with the squad as he finishes the Top14 season with Toulouse.

2. Sione Tuipulotu

The Scotland captain missed the Six Nations through injury. To me, he’s a nailed on starter when firing on all cylinders and that’s what he needs to show against Argentina.

Tuipulotu and Bundee Aki is a monster centre pairing. I’m struggling to think of a more physical Lions midfield, perhaps Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies.

Tuipulotu did return to play for Glasgow at the back end of the club season and looked good. That will have pleased Farrell, but I’m equally sure he will want to get a good run of games into him before the Tests with Australia.

Tuipulotu will wear No 13 against Argentina, but I think for the Wallabies he will be at No 12, with someone else outside him. Either way, he is a key man for the Lions.

3. Fin Smith

Selection for the first game of the Lions tour caps a remarkable season for Fin Smith. He has become England’s first-choice No 10, forcing Marcus Smith to full back. 

I’ve been hugely impressed. With Finn Russell not involved against Argentina after leading Bath to the Premiership title, Fin Smith gets first dibs on controlling the team. 

Such a scenario might daunt some players, but I don’t think that will happen to the Northampton man. He seems to have taken every step he has taken in his career in his stride so far and I think he will do the same at the Aviva Stadium, where he led Saints to an epic upset of Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final last month.

Fin is very calm. His style of play is simple, but that is not derogatory at all. He brings the best out of those around him and the Lions have some hugely dangerous backs. I expect him to have a great game in Ireland.

4. Alex Mitchell

I do wonder if Jamison Gibson-Park’s glute injury is more serious than the Lions are letting on.

Gibson-Park knows Farrell well from their work with Ireland and I think he will have been inked in as the first-choice No 9 for the Tests if fit. But the question is whether or not he is actually fit, having missed Leinster’s United Rugby Championship final win. 

Mitchell starts at scrum half, with Tomos Williams in reserve, after a brilliant 12 months for England and Northampton.

He has to take his chance to put the pressure on Gibson-Park whenever he returns. The Lions have stated their desire to play with pace and that will suit Mitchell down to the ground.

5. Luke Cowan-Dickie

The Sale hooker is one of nine Englishmen in the Lions starting line-up for Argentina, which must be at least close to a record!

Cowan-Dickie is abrasive and a really confrontational carrier. I like that about him.

The other two hookers in the Lions squad are from Leinster so Cowan-Dickie begins against Argentina. I fully expect Dan Sheehan to be the starting hooker in Australia, but Cowan-Dickie can put the heat on him.

6. Jac Morgan

There are only two Welshmen in this Lions squad, Morgan and scrum-half Williams. 

Wales have had such an awful time of it in the last two years or so, but I’ve been hugely impressed with flanker Morgan. To stand out as he has at international level in a team that has struggled so badly is very, very impressive.

He fully deserved his Lions selection and it is great for him that he starts against Argentina.

Alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, Morgan forms part of a very dynamic backrow. I like what I see in that area.

The backrow is probably the most competitive part of this Lions squad, with the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan still to come into the equation.

Morgan is good enough to start the Tests, he just has to show it.