The Lions are the big favourites to win the series opener against Australia in Brisbane.
Australia vs Lions
Andy Farrell has shown his hand as the British and Irish Lions prepare to play Australia in Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.
The visitors' Head Coach has opted for Tadhg Beirne over Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker, while preference for Tom Curry over Jac Morgan at seven means the Lions have named a squad against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa without a Welshman for the first time since 1896.
It is also the first time the composite team features an all-Scottish fly-half and centre trio - Finn Russell was the long-term favourite for the 10 role but Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones at 12 and 13 have profited from an injury to Garry Ringrose, with Ringrose's partner Bundee Aki dropped to the bench in favour of the established 'Huwipulotu' connection.
Lions vs Australia Prediction
The latest betting odds suggest that the Lions will be too strong for an Australian side shorn of two key players in lock Will Skelton and back row Rob Valetini. The Lions have been successful in seven of the nine series against Australia, losing only in 1930 and 2001, two years after Australia's last Rugby World Cup win.
Australia will, however, be buoyed by the four tries a weakened Brumbies side managed against the bulk of the Lions XV for this weekend. We're predicting the Lions will win but the bookmakers have probably got the handicap line about spot on - it's hard to make too big a case for the Lions at -10.5 or Australia with +10.5 start.
- The Lions are rated 77% likely to beat Australia in the opening test in Brisbane even at the best odds available through oddschecker
- Andy Farrell has opted for Tom Curry over Jac Morgan at openside flanker, while Taidhg Beirne is a surprise pick over Ollie Chessum at six
- You can get best odds of 7/2 for Australia to win a test series against the Lions for only the third time
- There are a range of free bets and sign up offers available for new customers looking to place a bet on the Lions vs Australia
Lions vs Australia Odds
| First Test Result | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Lions | 3/10 | 2/9 |
| Australia | 7/2 | 13/5 |
| Draw | 30/1 | 20/1 |
Lions vs Australia Lineups
Tom Lynagh will emulate his father Michael when he lines up at 10 for Australia for the first time in place of injured regular starter Noah Lolesio. Andy Farrell is without the injured Ringrose, while minor knocks to Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen have kept them out of the matchday 23.
Lions Team to Play Australia
Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Tuipulotu, Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park; Genge, Sheehan, Furlong. Itoje, McCarthy, Beirne, Curry, Conan.
Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Aki
Australia Team to Play Lions
Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Faessler, Alaalatoa, Frost, Williams, De Crespigny, McReight, Wilson (capt)
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway.
Lions vs Australia Kick Off Time
The first test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia kicks off at 11am BST on Saturday 19th July. It will be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, which will rebrand to ‘Sky Sports The Lions’ for each Test weekend.
Lions vs Australia Betting Tips
Our favourite bet for the first test is Huw Jones to score anytime. With three tries already to his name this series and 23 in the bag for Scotland, Jones is no stranger to crossing the whitewash. He's also likely to last the distance with Aki covering 12 and Marcus Smith 10 or 15 from the bench. An injury to either Tommy Freeman or James Lowe would likely see Jones deployed on the wing too.
Advised Bet: Huw Jones to Score Anytime @ 2/1 on Ladbrokes & Coral
