After a 115-year wait, another piece of ‘Australian' history for the Lions
Named in the Lions No.12 jersey, Tuipulotu will become the first Australian-raised player to play in a Test match for the Lions in 115 years, and the third ever, at Suncorp Stadium. The last to do it was the feted Tom Richards in 1910.
Lions coach Andy Farrell opted for a Scottish streak in a side dominated by Irishmen, with eight in the starting side and another three on the bench. Of the 11 in the 23, eight are from Irish club Leinster.
With the squad's only Welshman, Jac Morgan, missing out on a spot, the Lions will not have a player from Wales in the Test team for the first time since the 1899 tour of Australia.
Tuipulotu, the former Junior Wallaby and Rebels player, won the battle for the inside centre role over Bundee Aki; capping a remarkable journey that began when the 28-year-old left Australia in 2019 to pursue a career in Japan, and then with Glasgow in Scotland.
Qualifying for Scotland via grandmother Jacqueline Thompson - his 'Greenock Granny' who has become a minor celebrity in her own right - Tuipulotu debuted for the Scots in 2021 and last year became Scottish captain.
After being selected in the Lions squad, he impressed in games against Argentina, the Western Force, NSW and the AUNZ side, and was given the nod to make history by becoming a 'Test Lion' in Brisbane.
Fohe Tuipulotu said he'd been messaged by his son with the news, and he and his wife Angelina and youngest son Ottavio had plans to fly to Brisbane on Friday.
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