Sione Tuipulotu and Bundee Aki will start together when the British and Irish Lions face Argentina on Friday.

Scotland’s Tuipulotu, who missed the Six Nations through injury, will form the centre partnership with Ireland’s Aki in Dublin for the 1888 Cup clash.

Aki is one of five players to feature on their second Lions tour, while 14 of the squad could make their debut against the Pumas, including Tuipulotu.

Maro Itoje, who will participate in his third Tour, will captain the Lions for the first time in his career.

Head coach Andy Farrell is looking forward to seeing his squad in action for the first time.

“Congratulations to Maro Itoje ahead of leading out the Lions for the first time – it is a truly special moment and one that very few players ever get to experience,” said Farrell.

“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.

Our team to face Argentina in Dublin! #Lions2025
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 18, 2025

“We know that Argentina will challenge us up front and out wide - so Friday night will be a tough contest, but also a great occasion for all the fans.”

After taking on Argentina, the Lions will head off to Australia for their upcoming tour Down Under.

Lions team in full: Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Finlay Bealham, Mario Itoje (captain), Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, Duhan van der Merwe, Bundee Aki, Sione Tuipulotu, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith. Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Pierre Schoeman, Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Henry Pollock, Tomos Williams, Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen.