Andy Farrell has made clear his intentions for Saturday's second Test against Australia by selecting a starting XV that would have included 10 Ireland players had Garry Ringrose not been ruled out with delayed concussion. The head coach has prioritised physicality and cohesion, leading to jokes about renaming the side the Irish & British Lions.
In the midfield, Bundee Aki takes the 12 jersey, with Huw Jones moving to outside centre after initially being set to drop out. This breaks up the established connection with Scotland fly-half Finn Russell, but Farrell expressed confidence in Aki's gainline presence. 'I honestly believe this is one of the biggest, if not the biggest game, we have all been involved in,' Farrell said.
Up front, Leinster loosehead Andrew Porter has been promoted, with Ellis Genge dropping to the bench. The injury absence of Joe McCarthy has reunited Ollie Chessum with Maro Itoje in the second row. Leinster still have nine representatives in the matchday 23, including James Ryan and Ronan Kelleher on the bench.
Owen Farrell is back among the replacements, while Ben Earl and Marcus Smith are outside the matchday squad. Jac Morgan has earned his place on the flank, giving the Welsh media a story to write home about. Farrell insists all selections are strictly on merit.
Farrell acknowledged the Lions must improve on their second-half performance in Brisbane, especially with the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini to the Wallaby squad. 'We know we will have to be a lot better than last week,' he said. 'But the focus will be on us.'
