Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams will be looking to lay down a Lions marker when the Wales pair wear the dark red jerseys for the first time on Friday night.
Morgan has been handed a starting role and Williams a spot on the bench after Andy Farrell unveiled his British and Irish Lions squad to face Argentina in their historic curtain-raiser in Dublin.
It’s a major show of faith in the pair, who are both making their Lions debuts.
Morgan, the Wales captain, will line up at openside flanker as part of a dynamic back row that includes England’s Ben Earl at number eight and Tom Curry at blindside.
Williams, who capped off a stellar season in the Gallagher Premiership, has been rewarded with a place among the replacements, covering the scrum-half position.
“The tour party's two Welshmen are also first-timers,” Farrell said.
“Wales captain Jac Morgan starts in the back row while Gallagher Premiership player of the season Tomos Williams is on the bench as scrum-half cover.”
Williams is part of a five-three bench split, joined by Elliot Daly and Mack Hansen in the backline options.
Among the forwards, there’s Lions veteran Tadhg Furlong, who returns after an injury-ridden season, as well as bolter Henry Pollock and Scotland lock Scott Cummings.
The Lions will be led for the first time by Maro Itoje, who captains the side from the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne.
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Itoje is one of several players with previous Lions experience, joined by Duhan van der Merwe, Bundee Aki, Marcus Smith, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Daly, and Furlong — all veterans of the 2021 South Africa tour.
“Congratulations to Maro Itoje ahead of leading out the Lions for the first time,” Farrell said.
“It’s 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.”
Farrell’s side will take on Argentina in the Lions’ first-ever match on Irish soil, marking a milestone as they gear up for the tour of Australia.
The match also signals the beginning of a new chapter, with as many as 14 players in the 23 set to make their Lions debut.
“This is also our first opportunity to show what the 2025 Lions are about and what we want to stand for as a team,” Farrell added.
Morgan’s inclusion underscores his rapid ascent and the trust now placed in him at the highest level.
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Meanwhile, Williams' presence on the bench offers him a chance to come on and show his sharp sniping runs and quick tempo game, to inject real energy if called upon at the Aviva Stadium.
The Lions will fly out to Australia following the match, with their opening tour game against Western Force scheduled for 28 June in Perth.
Lions XV: Marcus Smith; Tommy Freeman, Sione Tuipulotu, Bundee Aki, Duhan van der Merwe; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Finlay Bealham, Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Pierre Schoeman, Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Henry Pollock, Tomos Williams, Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen.
Argentina XV: Carreras; Isgro, Cinti, Piccardo, Mendy; Albornoz, Garcia; Vivas, Montoya (c), Sclavi, Molina, Rubiolo, Matera, Gonzalez, Oviedo
Replacements: Bernasconi, Wenger, Coria Marchetti, Grondona. S, Moro, Benitez Cruz, Moroni, Cordero
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