The Lions’ scrum has been strong all tour but the unit of Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong has been particularly good. Genge gives you carrying power, Sheehan the athleticism of a centre. Maro Itoje, the captain, was always a certainty along with Jack Conan at No8, despite Earl’s best efforts.

Andy Farrell, a 50-year-old from Wigan, has the chance to join one of rugby union’s most exclusive clubs, that of a winning British and Irish Lions coach as his tourists tackle the might of Australia across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Sir Ian ...

Andy Farrell's British and Irish Lions take on Australia in the first Test on Saturday morning. Find out all you need to know about the game here.

The current tour to Australia has been undermined by complaints from the touring side over the strength of the opposition, and there is persistent talk of alternative venues in the future, either to make more money or grow the sport or both.

Wallaby skipper Harry Wilson revealed a pep talk from legend John Eales has given Australia the inspiration to shock the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday. Former lock Eales was nicknamed Nobody by team-mates,

Tommy Freeman has revealed that his selection in the British and Irish Lions team for the first Test came as timely news to cheer up his mother, who was forced into an Australian hospital after breaking her foot out on tour.