27 January 2025 11:51
Reading Time: 3 mins
Each week we will be asking rugby journalists as well as Lions legends to review all the action from the leagues and competitions to see which players are putting their names in contention for the Lions Tour of Australia this summer. This week’s Lions Watch is written by Paul Martin.
International commitments ahead of the upcoming Six Nations meant fewer Lions contenders were in action as domestic action returned over the weekend.
But there were still several players able to continue staking their claims…
Sheehan shines for Leinster
Dan Sheehan marked his return in trademark style with two tries for Leinster as they overcame the Stormers 36-12 in the URC.
The hooker, who sustained a knee injury during an Ireland training camp over the summer, crossed in the corner before gathering a crossfield kick for his second as he picked up where he left off.
An excellent @leinsterrugby try! 🤩
Dan Sheehan gets the bonus point score for his side against the DHL Stormers 🔵👏 pic.twitter.com/7iIJEY8fLE
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 25, 2025
His return is particularly well timed for Simon Easterby ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, which begins against England in Dublin on Saturday, and he will have been equally heartened to see James Lowe come through the clash unscathed.
Kinghorn on the scoresheet
Scotland star Blair Kinghorn warmed up for the Six Nations with a try for Toulouse as they beat Montpellier 27-17 in the Top 14.
Découvre le classement des plus beaux essais de la J15 de #TOP14 💥
5️⃣ Adrea Cocagi | @CastresRugby
4️⃣ Tom Ecochard | @usap_officiel
3️⃣ Hoani Bosmorin | @staderochelais
2️⃣ Blair Kinghorn | @StadeToulousain
1️⃣ Dimitri Delibes | @StadeToulousain
Qui vous a le plus fait… pic.twitter.com/6J1B3K4smu
— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) January 27, 2025
Kinghorn came off the bench for the final half-hour and crossed for the fourth time in an impressive campaign, ensuring he will go into his side’s opener against Italy in Edinburgh full of confidence.
His international teammate Finn Russell impressed for Bath Rugby as they cemented their position at the top of the Gallagher Premiership with a 32-23 win at Sale Sharks.
Round 1 – Key Battles
There will be no shortage of Lions hopefuls in action at the Aviva Stadium – which will host the visit of Argentina on June 20 – when Ireland take on England on Saturday.
The battle in the pack will be one to savour, with newly-installed England skipper Maro Itoje set to go up against James Ryan and Joe McCarthy in the engine room.
Slightly further back in the scrum, Caelan Doris and Ben Earl are set for a titanic clash while Marcus Smith could go up against Sam Prendergast in a meeting of two in-form No.10s.
Wales kick off their campaign against France in Paris on Friday night, boosted by the return of Lions tourists Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams and Liam Williams following injuries.
Tomos Williams, who has been a standout Gallagher Premiership performer for Gloucester, faces the task of keeping Antoine Dupont quiet at the Stade de France.
And Scotland face up to life without influential skipper Sione Tuipulotu as they take on the Azzurri.
Tuipulotu has been ruled out with a pectoral muscle injury, meaning more onus on the likes of Kinghorn and Russell in the backline, while Tom Jordan will be hoping to take his Glasgow Warriors club form on to the international stage having impressed on his Scotland outings over the autumn.
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The post British & Irish Lions | Lions Watch: Sheehan shines on return from injury first appeared on Rugby 247.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-27 23:22:31
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