Two Scots to start for British and Irish Lions against Argentina in Dublin

British and Irish Lions boss Andy Farrell has named two Scottish players in his first 15 for the game against Argentina in Dublin.

Glasgow Warriors star Sione Tuipulotu will start alongside Edinburgh’s Duhan van der Merwe at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.

Pierre Schoeman and Scott Cummings have been named among the replacements.

Maro Itoje will captain the British and Irish Lions for the first time in the non-cap international in Ireland before they head off to Australia for the summer tour.

He leads a starting XV that features Marcus Smith at full-back and will be directed by England half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith.

Tadhg Furlong will be given the opportunity to prove his fitness after struggling with a calf injury that ruled him out of Leinster’s United Rugby Championship final victory over the Bulls.

He is included on a bench that also features hooker Ronan Kelleher, the only player to be involved against the Pumas six days after taking part in the end-of-season finals.

After announcing the side on Wednesday, Farrell said: “Congratulations to Maro Itoje ahead of leading out the Lions for the first time. It’s a truly special moment and one that very few players ever get to experience,” head coach Andy Farrell said.

“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.”