
First Test: Lions v Australia build-up
Date: 10:13 BST
Title: One to watch - Tom Lynagh
Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST)
Who watches Queensland Reds regularly? If not, I've done my homework on Tom Lynagh.
Tom Lynagh, 22, made his Australia debut last summer against Wales and featured twice in the Rugby Championship.
All those appearances came off the bench to reward his breakthrough season with Queensland Reds.
He has a controlled kicking game and a massive boot that can punish the Lions from long range.
For regular kickers, Lynagh topped the stats in Super Rugby Pacific 2025, kicking at 87.23%, external from the tee.
Given what happened in 2013, Schmidt will need a dead-eye kicker.
Lynagh is a player who will stick to the basics. No flash, but a facilitator for those star backs outside him.
Update:
Date: 10:10 BST
Title: Team news - Australia
Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST)
Australia are without experienced lock Will Skelton and powerful back row Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries - and that could be crucial to the outcome of today's match.
Debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny will start at number six, while head coach Joe Schmidt has also handed a first Test start to Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallaby great Michael, in the absence of regular fly-half Noah Lolesio.
"Without Skelton and Valetini, Australia are underpowered and it takes away some of their super strengths," Ugo Monye, who toured South Africa with the Lions in 2009, told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.
"The Lions were favourites before we even saw their squad.
"Now we have seen their team and the Australian team, there is a greater sense of confidence."
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway.
Update:
Date: 10:08 BST
Title: Fans soak up atmosphere in Brisbane
Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST)
Nigel RinglandBBC Sport at Suncorp Stadium
About a 10 minute walk from the Suncorp Stadium is Caxton Street and it is party central for Lions and Aussie fans.
The atmosphere has been building since just after breakfast this morning in the bars and eateries that line the street which has been sealed off to traffic since 4pm.
This video can not be played
Watch: Fans soak up atmosphere in Brisbane
Update:
Date: 10:06 BST
Title: The slip....
Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST)
A repeat of the first Test in 2013 at Suncorp Stadium?
Australia replacement Kurtley Beale missed a penalty with the last kick of the game that would have snatched victory.
The Lions led 13-12 at half-time via George North's stunning try and two Leigh Halfpenny penalties after a brace of tries for Australia wing debutant Israel Folau.
Alex Cuthbert's try stretched the Lions' lead, but two penalties from Beale brought the hosts to within two points.
He had two opportunities to steal victory, but sliced the first wide with five minutes left and then slipped as he connected with his last-minute effort amid unbearable tension.
The Lions won 23–21 and ended up winning the series 2-1.
Update:
Date: 10:03 BST
Title: The Lions tour so far
Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST)
Played six, won five, but since the opening match against Argentina in Dublin, the Lions have won five straight games where the result has never been in doubt.
With some Australia Test players not made available for their teams, the opposition hasn't been of the highest standard but the Lions have still got the job done.
12 July - Invitational AU & NZ 0-48 Lions, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
9 July - ACT Brumbies 24-36 Lions, Canberra (GIO Stadium)
5 July - NSW Waratahs 10-21 Lions Sydney (Allianz Stadium)
2 July - Queensland Reds 12-52 Lions Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
28 June - Western Force 7-54 Lions Perth (Optus Stadium)
20 June - Lions 24-28 Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)
Update:
Date: 10:00 BST
Title: Lions, Lions, Lions
Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST)
The time has finally arrived as the British and Irish Lions face Australia in the first Test in Brisbane.
The tourists are unbeaten on Australian soil this summer following victories over Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, Brumbies and an Invitational AU & NZ side.
None of that matters now, it is all about the Test series.
Can Andy Farrell's side emulate 2013 and win the first Test against the Wallabies?
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