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10h ago

Rugby Tours Intensify as Lions Add Farrell and Debutants, Wallabies Finalise Fiji Squad and Wales Chase First Win

All three teams have named weekend squads in Sydney, Newcastle and Kitakyushu ahead of their respective Test series.

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Rugby Union - Australia v Uruguay - IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A - Villa Park, Birmingham, England - 27/9/15 Australia's Will Skelton in action Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic
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Overview

  • The British & Irish Lions have called up Owen Farrell after Elliot Daly’s injury but he won’t feature against the Waratahs as they name debutants Blair Kinghorn, Hugo Keenan and Ben White for their final warm-up on July 5.
  • Head coach Andy Farrell has urged his side to tighten defence and increase intensity after back-to-back 50-point victories over Western Force and Queensland Reds as they gear up for the first Test on July 19.
  • Joe Schmidt has named former skipper Dave Porecki to start in Newcastle against Fiji, retained Harry Wilson as captain and omitted Rob Valetini and Will Skelton due to calf injuries while welcoming Max Jorgensen’s return from ankle surgery.
  • Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt described the Japan opener in Kitakyushu as “massive” as his side seeks to end a Tier One record 17-Test losing streak in steamy conditions expected to reach 32°C.
  • Coaches across these tours have implemented heat-chamber sessions and rotation policies to cope with high humidity and slippery ball conditions and to sustain player fitness ahead of Test matches.