Overview

• The starting XV features eight Irish players, led by skipper Maro Itoje and partnered by Joe McCarthy in the second row, as Andy Farrell tests his preferred Test combination.
• Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio was cleared of serious neck injury after scans and will remain under observation before a final fitness verdict.
• Owen Farrell completed his first full training session since arriving on tour and is in contention to make his debut against the AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide.
• Coach Andy Farrell stressed that Test jerseys are not guaranteed and that players must earn selection through cohesive performances in the Brumbies and AUNZ fixtures.
• The ACT Brumbies will be without eight frontline Wallabies but still represent a stern examination, having been the only provincial side to defeat the Lions in Australia in 2013.