First Lions Test preview by Mark Jackson


Well finally we have arrived at crunch time of any tour the tests series. The combinations and permutations have had their chances and despite what we all think Andy Farrell has put what he thinks is his best currently available 23 for battle with Australia this Saturday in Brisbane. 

Injury and form usually plays a big part in selection and there can be many conversations to be had from Hugo Keenan at fullback right the way to Ellis Genge in the loosehead jersey and all through the extended squad. 

Back row has been the area with most chat doing the rounds with a case to be made for all those not involved on Saturday to be included and will see how this combo goes especially at the breakdown where personally I feel the game will see most of Australias efforts being targeted. Curry and pals will find McReight and skipper Wilson ample does on the floor and will need to use the packs size and power as Australia are lacking with those aspects due to current injuries.

Joe Schmidt has always put a premium on kicking game and back three of Lowe,Freeman and Keenan will be vital in neutralizing any high balls and providing the Lions with extra options in attacking game with or without the ball w chasing and harassing a strong part of Aussie game with Tom Wright

Neither side has had ideal preparation with Lions not facing any hardened opponents on tour ,Argentina excluded and Australia struggling past a decent Fijian side.

As well as breakdown and back 3 aspects ,lineout will be crucial as per and selection of Beirne at 6 may tilt that in Lions favour.

Prediction: Lions by 8 



@harpinonrugby

Some thoughts from “me holiers” ahead of the first test….apologies to Rich Mifsud for forgetting he’ll be joining me for the wrap pod not Conor! 🤦‍♂️ #rugbytiktok #lionsrugby

♬ original sound – Harpinonrugby.blog

448 : Brumbies review, AUNZ & Portugal previews

@harpinonrugby

Mark joined me shortly after the FT whistle to quickly look back over Brumbies v Lions #rugbytiktok #lionsrugby

♬ original sound – Harpinonrugby.blog
@harpinonrugby

Mark Jackson joins me once more to look ahead to the Lions’ latest outing #lionsrugby #rugbytiktok

♬ original sound – Harpinonrugby.blog
@harpinonrugby

Ciarán Duffy joins me to look ahead to Ireland’s test in Lisbon on Saturday #rugbytiktok #Irelandrugby

♬ original sound – Harpinonrugby.blog

Official URC statement on changes to URC.tv service

Ahead of the 2025/26 season changes are coming to URC.tv customers in the Republic of Ireland with a lower price point, a new upgraded platform, exciting new features and a small change to the live rights available.

From 30th June 2025, the United Rugby Championship is no longer working with RTÉ Commercial Enterprises DAC (“RTÉCED”) to provide URC.tv, which is now operated solely by the United Rugby Championship. As part of this change, RTÉCED is transferring its rights and obligations, including the contract for your URC.tv subscription, to Pro Rugby Championship DAC with effect from 30th June 2025.

When the new platform launches in time for the 2025/26 season, it will be available on Smart TV apps as well as mobile and desktop destinations with new features such as the ability to watch two live games at the same time in a split screen allowing fans to watch more action on the biggest screens. Full-season passes will now be available for just €40.

In the Republic of Ireland, subscribers will now be able to watch seven of the eight games in each round live. The one additional game of the weekend can be viewed exclusively live on Premier Sports. However, this game will be available on URC.tv, in full, 60 minutes after the full-time whistle. Premier Sports exclusives in Season 25/26 can be found here.

URC.tv will remain home to full game replays of all 151 games, bespoke highlights cuts and selected additional content as well as providing live access to seven of the eight games in every round.

Because your active subscription period continues into next season, we will be issuing a refund for the period that these changes will affect. The refund has been calculated based the number of games played since your subscription started compared to the 151 games played in a full season.

Subscribers who want to continue watching URC.tv next season at the new lower price of €40 do not need to take any action as your subscription will auto-renew in September, after which you will have a 14 day cooling off period in case you change your mind. Customers who want to cancel their subscription renewal can do so in the account section of URC.tv.

These changes do not affect your consumer or Data Protection rights and will not disrupt your ability to access live match content. From 30th June 2025, Pro Rugby Championship DAC is the sole Controller of your personal data.

446 : WARvBIL & GEOvIRE previews

Western Force v Lions preview

@harpinonrugby

Dan Sheehan leads the Lions in their first match down under, here’s a quick Harpin Preview with the help of Mark Jackson #lionsrugby #rugbytiktok

♬ original sound – Harpinonrugby.blog

With two tour matches a week we don’t have time to do full previews each time but we’re grateful to Mark Jackson for agreeing to do these brief TikToks ahead of each match.