Eight months after Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu mouthed off at Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in Edinburgh, the duo will go head-to-head in the opening Lions Test in Brisbane after Andy Farrell named the centre in his run-on side.

The mouthwatering matchup came together after Garry Ringrose’s injury saw Farrell to turn to his Scottish duo of Tuipulotu and Huw Jones to form his midfield. Veteran Irish centre Bundee Aki will come off the bench.

As earmarked, Farrell stuck with the bulk of the players who featured in the midweek games against the Reds and Brumbies with Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell forming an exciting halves combination.

The back three will see fullback Hugo Keenan link up with Irish teammate James Lowe on the wing and English giant Tommy Freeman on the other.

The side will be captained by Maro Itoje, with Joe McCarthy joining the Englishman in the second-row.

Tadhg Beirne gives the Lions some extra height in the back-row, with Tom Curry and Jack Conan the other two loose forwards. Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl are on the bench.

As expected, Dan Sheehan is at hooker and the Irish star is joined by Tadhg Furlong and Ellis Genge.

While the Wallabies’ depth has taken a hit following injuries to Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Noah Lolesio namely, the Lions’ quality is on display on their bench with Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and Will Stuart the front-row replacements.

Quality English duo Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith provide cover in the halves alongside Aki.

“We are entering the business end of the Tour and it is time to put in our best performance to date,” Farrell said.

“We know how motivated the Wallabies will be and we know they are a well organised and dangerous side.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii clashes with Sione Tuipulotu as he leaves the field after picking up an injury at Murrayfield on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“It is a great occasion and a proud moment for Maro Itoje, who will captain the Test side, but also for those players who get the opportunity to represent the group on Saturday night.

“We have seen a flood of Lions supporters on the streets of Brisbane this week and we are looking forward to
seeing a Sea of Red in the stands of the Suncorp Stadium cheering on the team.”

After a tepid build-up to the series, the prospect of Tuipuotu going head-to-head with Suaalii will give the spectacle some much-needed excitement.

Last November, the Melbourne-born Scottish captain enjoyed a day out against the Wallabies as he scored during his side’s thumping win at home.

Tuipulotu, who played for the Junior Wallabies before moving overseas because of a lack of opportunities in Melbourne, was clearly up for the occasion and went after Suaalii, who had burst onto the international stage against England a fortnight earlier.

Sione Tuipulotu (R) has been named to start ahead of Bundee Aki (L). (Photo by Seb Daly/SNS Group via Getty Images)

After one thumping hit, Tuipulotu mouthed off at the Wallabies rookie.

Suaalii, who left the field soon after because of the stinger, replied: “I will see you next time.”

Unsurprisingly, the incident wasn’t forgotten about when Suaalii spoke to reporters on Monday.

The Wallabies superstar tried his best not to add fuel to the fire, the clash will likely go up a level on Saturday night.

“I feel like there’s been a lot of talk around that moment, but at the end of the day it’s just a game of footy,” the 21-year-old said.

“I’m a big believer that whatever’s said on the field stays on the field.

“I’m just focused on what I can do for the team, that’s it. I’m not going to speak on it, to be fair.

“I always focus on myself first before I put my energy into someone else, and obviously fans want to see a rivalry and all that but at the end of the day, it’s a team sport and I’m just trying to do the best for the team.”

While Suaalii was reticent to bait his rival, his Wallabies teammate Will Skelton happily chimed in that he could see some fireworks happening at Suncorp Stadium.

“Yeah, that’s what you want, no?” the giant lock said.

“You want our 12s going against their 12s, you want our 13s going against their 13s – I think no matter what, it’s going to be a physical battle and we’re up for the challenge.”

Lions (1-15): Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Tommy Freeman, Hugo Keenan

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Bundee Aki

Wallabies (1-15): James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway