The British & Irish Lions are undefeated since landing on Australian soil and it’s now time for head coach Andy Farrell to select his starting XV and replacements for the first of the three match test series against the Wallabies.
Several players have put their hands up and impressed in the warm up fixtures so far, giving Farrell a tough choice in a number of positions. We are predicting the first test will feature a heavily Irish influenced squad with a back line made up largely of Scotland stars.
Here is the Edinburgh Evening News’ predicted British & Irish Lions starting XV for the first test against Australia:
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
England's Alex Mitchell and Scotland's Ben White have done what they can to try and stake a claim but the Irishman still looks certain to start at nine and has maintained his high standards on tour thus far. Mitchell the likely replacement. | Getty Images
10. Finn Russell
The Scotland stand off is also surely nailed on for his position. England's Finn Smith and Marcus Smith have displayed flashes of their clear ability on tour thus far but Russell is head and shoulder above both. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Hadn't looked his best on tour until last weekend against AUNZ when he scored a hat-trick and that was probably enough to make sure he didn't lose his place in the test side. Although games can pass him by, when he's on form he's unplayable and is a game changer with ball in hand | Getty Images
12. Sione Tuipulotu
It was a coin toss between the Scotland captain and Irish counterpart Bundee Aki after both have been in top form on tour so far. It's the selection at 13 that probably results in the Aussie born Scot getting the nod. | AFP via Getty Images