Australia v British & Irish Lions tips & predictions | First Test

After a false start a month ago, the British & Irish Lions are firing on all cylinders as they head into the first Test against Australia in Brisbane this Saturday. 

June’s shock-loss to Argentina has been redeemed through five straight wins on Aussie soil, including a gritty showing against the Brumbies and a dominant 48-0 thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV.

For Australia, their preparation stands in stark contrast. The hosts have played just one Test in the lead-up, against Fiji last weekend. That was almost a calamity, with their Pacific neighbours leading right up until a last-gasp try by Harry Wilson got them over the line.

The Wallabies also have a raft of injuries to deal with, most notably first-choice pivot Noah Lolesio and workhorse Rob Valentino. For the Lions, the picture could not be more different; they are spoilt for choice, with healthy competition amidst their ranks and some strong combinations developing.

Bottom line: Australia face a steep challenge if they are to avoid a hiding on Saturday, let alone come away victorious. Leading rugby betting sites recognise this, with the visitors heavily favored at -357.14 to win.

Wallabies predicted team

• 15 Tom Wright
• 14 Harry Potter
• 13 Joseph Sua’alii
• 12 Len Ikitau
• 11 Max Jorgensen
• 10 James O’Connor 
• 9 Tate McDermott
• 8 Harry Wilson (capt.)
• 7 Fraser McReight
• 6 Tom Hooper 
• 5 Jeremy Williams
• 4 Will Skelton
• 3 Allan Alaalatoa
• 2 David Porecki
• 1 James Slipper

Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Nick Frost, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.

British & Irish Lions predicted team

• 15 Hugo Keenan
• 14 Tommy Freeman
• 13 Huw Jones
• 12 Sione Tuipulotu 
• 11 James Lowe
• 10 Finn Russell
• 9 Jamison Gibson-Park
• 8 Jack Conan
• 7 Tom Curry
• 6 Ollie Chessum
• 5 Joe McCarthy
• 4 Maro Itoje (capt.)
• 3 Will Stuart
• 2 Ronan Kelleher
• 1 Ellis Genge

Bench: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Josh van der Flier, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Marcus Smith.

Australia v British & Irish Lions betting picks

While the Lions have had plenty of time to ease into this tour, first-Test nerves are inevitable. That is why, despite the gulf in class between these two sides, Saturday’s clash is shaping up to be a low-scoring game of attrition.

Injuries and the shoddy showing against Fiji have painted the Wallabies as heavy underdogs with rugby union bookmakers, but that is where they thrive. Australia will look to take the Lions on physically and run hard up the middle. Given his heroics last weekend, it would be no surprise to see Harry Wilson lead from the front and dot down first.

Ultimately, the Lions’ depth will get them the win, but don’t expect a blowout. Top online bookies are paying +215 for the tourists to win by 12 or less, and that’s the best bet on the table.

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