\n<\/p>\n
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe started every game of Ireland’s 2023 Grand Slam-winning campaign and the trio are on the Lions tour.<\/p>\n
Despite their level of collective cohesion, Ashton says England wing Tommy Freeman has been the best back-three player so far in Australia and should start the first Test.<\/p>\n
“Freeman is carrying all over the pitch and is scoring tries – only he is doing that so far out on the wing this tour,” Ashton added.<\/p>\n
“He is hitting lines in the middle of the pitch as they want to use his carrying.<\/p>\n
“He’s got a yard more pace compared to Hansen and a bit more size.”<\/p>\n
The selection at full-back is another call to be made after Keenan, who played his first game in more than a month on Saturday, struggled to impose himself on his Lions debut.<\/p>\n
Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn started on the wing against the Waratahs and lacked ball to show off his attacking prowess on his Lions debut.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old joined the tour late after starting the Top 14 semi-final and final on the left wing for Toulouse, leaving only two games to get a start in the number 15 shirt before the first Test.<\/p>\n
“The full-back Test spot is open,” Ashton said.<\/p>\n
“Kinghorn has hardly played full-back for his club, which takes a bit of time to adjust back to.<\/p>\n
“He has to train and play at 15 and get what he is so good at – the two-sided attack from the ruck and be that extra ball carrier – he has to remember to do that, rather than chasing kicks on the wing.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n