Overview

• The Lions have confirmed a physically imposing back row featuring Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry, supported by an all-Scotland midfield of Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.
• Australia have ruled out Will Skelton, Rob Valetini and Noah Lolesio from the first Test due to calf injuries and neck surgery.
• Andy Farrell and Joe Schmidt both reject talk of a 3-0 series sweep and insist on focusing on execution in Brisbane rather than overall predictions.
• The tourists enter the first Test unbeaten in five tour matches, including a 48-0 victory over an AUNZ invitational XV, but both coaches warn those fixtures offer limited insight.
• The series opener takes place today at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, where the Wallabies face the Lions in a rare once-in-12-years Test opportunity.