The Lions’ scrum has been strong all tour but the unit of Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong has been particularly good. Genge gives you carrying power, Sheehan the athleticism of a centre. Maro Itoje, the captain, was always a certainty along with Jack Conan at No8, despite Earl’s best efforts.

Andy Farrell's British and Irish Lions take on Australia in the first Test on Saturday morning. Find out all you need to know about the game here.

Where next for the British & Irish Lions?The current tour to Australia has been undermined by complaints from the touring side over the strength of the opposition, and there is persistent talk of alternative venues in the future,

Infamous last-gasp slip in 2013 First Test in Brisbane cost the Wallabies dramatic win in series they lost 2-1

Geoff Parling stood alongside John Eales to discuss the significance of the Lions series in front of Australia’s squad ahead of this summer’s tour.

The Aussies love a bit of “nark” in their sport – a euphemism for needle, niggle, antagonism – and with the British & Irish Lions in town, the presence of a Pom among the Wallabies’ coaches could be ideal to generate it.

Owen Farrell has been tipped to feature in the first British and Irish Lions Test but looks to have missed out with Marcus Smith reportedly beating him to a spot on the bench