It is lastly right here: The British and Irish Lions face Australia within the first of a three-Check collection that may assist resolve the destiny of this summer time’s tour.
Andy Farrell’s aspect will probably be seeking to get off to a quick begin after a flawless document to date Down Beneath that has seen them notch 5 straight wins, just a few of which have been blowouts.
Sione Tuilopulotu has crushed out Bundee Aki to begin at centre for the Lions, with Owen Farrell not noted regardless of his spectacular show within the 48-0 win over the AUNZ Invitational aspect final weekend, whereas Tom Lynagh will line up at fly-half for an Australia aspect ravaged by poor type and accidents.
Australia will nonetheless need to set the tone early and remind the Lions who they’re coping with. Henry Pollock is on-record as saying a 3-0 whitewash is “undoubtedly on the desk.” We’ll know extra whether or not that’s on the playing cards after this weekend.
Right here is every part you’ll want to know.
When is the sport?
When: Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. AEST (11 a.m. BST)
The place: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match official: Ben O’Keeffe
Learn how to watch
The match will probably be proven stay on Sky Sports activities within the UK and on Stan Sport in Australia. For radio, TalkSport will probably be offering stay commentary, whereas BBC Radio Wales will ship Welsh commentary.
You can too comply with ESPN’s stay weblog, in addition to in depth information and have protection.
Lineups
Lions staff: 15-Hugo Keenan, 14-Tommy Freeman, 13-Huw Jones, 12-Sione Tuipulotu, 11-James Lowe, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Jamison Gibson-Park, 8-Jack Conan, 7-Tom Curry, 6-Tadhg Beirne, 5-Joe McCarthy, 4-Maro Itoje (captain), 3-Tadhg Furlong, 2-Dan Sheehan, 1-Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16-Ronan Kelleher, 17-Andrew Porter, 18-Will Stuart, 19-Ollie Chessum, 20-Ben Earl, 21-Alex Mitchell, 22-Marcus Smith, 23-Bundee Aki
Australia staff: 15-Tom Wright, 14-Max Jorgensen, 13-Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12-Len Ikitau, 11-Harry Potter, 10-Tom Lynagh, 9-Jake Gordon, 8-Harry Wilson (captain), 7-Fraser McReight, 6-Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5-Jeremy Williams, 4-Nick Frost, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 2-Matt Faessler, 1-James Slipper.
Replacements: 16-Billy Pollard, 17-Angus Bell, 18-Tom Robertson, 19-Tom Hooper, 20-Carlo Tizzano, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Ben Donaldson, 23-Andrew Kellaway.
Type information
The Lions come into the sport as huge favourites — not simply as a consequence of Australia being with out Noah Lolesio and Rob Valetini — but additionally due to the 2 sides’ respective type.
The vacationers, whereas not dominant always, have received all their warmup video games Down Beneath whereas Australia have solely received 4 of their final 11 Exams.
A 21-18 victory over Fiji hardly impressed confidence, whereas Australia misplaced to each Eire and Scotland final autumn.
Lions final 5 video games: 48-0 vs. AUNZ Invitational, 36-24 vs. ACT Brumbies, 21-10 vs. New South Wales Waratahs, 52-12 vs. Queensland Reds, 54-7 vs. Western Drive.
Australia final 5 video games: 21-18 vs. Fiji, 19-22 vs. Eire, 13-27 vs. Scotland, 52-20 vs.Wales, 42-37 vs. England
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