Overview

• The Lions scraped past the ACT Brumbies in Canberra but were undermined by a string of unforced handling errors throughout the match.
• Captain Maro Itoje led a near-Test first XV as Andy Farrell fielded his strongest combination yet in final preparations for the Wallabies series.
• Blair Kinghorn exited with a suspected knee injury in the 25th minute, compounding concerns over fullback cover after Elliot Daly’s earlier withdrawal.
• Despite missing eight Wallabies, the Brumbies scored four tries and maintained defensive resolve to keep the touring side under sustained pressure.
• The squad now shifts focus to a final warm-up against an AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide on July 12 before the three-Test series opener in Brisbane on July 19.