WARREN GATLAND HOLDS his final audition this morning but sensibly, given the injury count to date, the Lions coach has decided to wrap most of his mane men (geddit?) in cotton well rather than risk them against the Brumbies in Canberra. Rory Best captains a side that includes Sean O’Brien, a first start for Rob Kearney, and Conor Murray and Simon Zebo on the bench.
Let’s get you up to speed:
On the Lions’ menu
The Brumbies are the form side in Super Rugby, topping the overall table with just three defeats so far this season. But as has been the case with most of the Lions’ opposition they come into this morning’s match with their star names away on Wallabies duty, including utility back Pat McCabe. Regular captain Nic White is ruled out through injury and so Peter Kimlin, released from the national squad along with Scott Sio, takes over leadership duties.
The bookies make this an 11-point game and the Lions will have to prepare for a long morning against a dangerous, well-organised side.
Quote from the camp
“It was almost midnight so I was kind of hoping it wasn’t a wind up because that would have been nasty.”
– Shane Williams on his late-night phone call from Lions assistant Rob Howley.
Pic of the day
Sam Warburton and members of the Lions squad paid their respects at the Australia War Memorial yesterday.
(©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
You’ve got to see this
Who’s this chancer? The Wallabies have found a mascot of their own — they’re calling him Wally — but our money is on BIL the lion all day, every day.
YouTube Credit: MyRugbyTV
Lions on the prowl
Tommy Bowe and family had a chance to celebrate Father’s Day properly on Sunday.
Tweet of the Day
Jamie Heaslip spills the beans on his roommates. We say if Mako wants to snore, Mako can snore!
What the Aussies say
“If the Brumbies can keep it away from a battle at the breakdown, there could be an upset brewing but the Lions have players out to show Gatland that they are ready for the second and third test matches.”
– Brumby Jack, GreenAndGoldBlog
‘BIL’ Watch
He’s in good hands with George North, and possibly getting hydrated for a showdown with Wally on Saturday.
(via @LionsOfficial)
TheScore.ie will be liveblogging all the action from Canberra from 10am this morning.
