Itoje insists there will be no repeat of 'geography six' as Scots trio join up
Scottish trio Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham are set to join Andy Farrell's squad in the coming week, boosting the team size to 44 following the inclusion of Jamie Osborne, Jamie George and Tom Clarkson.
These new recruits have been drafted in to provide cover, ensuring key players won't have to play in the Test series whilst also featuring in next Tuesday's match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV.
Farrell's decision to turn to those from Scotland's tour of nearby New Zealand has evoked memories of eight years ago when Finn Russell, Allan Dell, Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davie joined Warren Gatland's Lions.
Picked because of their geographical location with their national sides and not on merit, they were shunned by some squad members and Gatland later revealed that internal concern over 'devaluing the jersey' forced him to not deploy them off the bench against the Hurricanes.
Itoje's Lions will take a different approach with their captain declaring 'we are all in this together'.
'I have no doubt that they will be welcomed in,' said Itoje ahead of the Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.
'The boss, Andy, has called them in because he believes they will help the Lions to achieve their goal of winning a Test series.
'All of the players who have been called in are quality players. They are players like everyone else in the team, have a high level of experience and have achieved things in their career.
'We are all in this together. It's not us and them. It doesn't matter if there's a late call-up. We've seen in the past how late call-ups have had huge impact on the tour in positive ways.
'I have no doubt that everyone who has called up will play a significant role in helping the team achieve its goal.'
Meanwhile, Itoje has doubled down on Henry Pollock's revelation that the Lions are determined to complete a series whitewash of Australia – an aim that has been noted by the hosts.
'That's definitely the ambition. It goes without saying – no one ever wants to lose a game,' Itoje said.
'It would be a bit weird if one of my team-mates said we want to win two and lose one.
'If you asked any of the Wallabies players, I hope it's also their ambition to win all the games.
'We want to win, but all we're focussed on is this Saturday. The other two games will look after itself.'
After playing four matches in four different states in 11 days, the Lions are based in Brisbane where preparations for the first Test have begun,
'We know there's going to be a big step up. As we get closer and closer to the game, we'll sharpen and sharpen,' Itoje said.
'There's a healthy tension in the squad because we know this is what we've been working towards.'
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Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
‘Babies get big': Andrew Porter reflects on Lions sacrifices before second Test
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Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
'Another dream ticked off' for Porter as Lions Test start awaits
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'I'm just incredibly excited for the opportunity to go out there and play for this team and play with these lads who we've created such a great connection with over the last few weeks. It's incredibly exciting and looking forward to ripping into it. 'I'd say it's up there with one of the biggest games of my life. How often can you say you've done this down in the MCG with 90,000 plus people there? 'With, obviously, the series on the line like this and being able to kind of back up 2013, to win back-to-back tours. It's definitely up there with one of the highlights. 'Like, even just being on this tour up there with one of the highlights of my life and career as a professional rugby player.' That the first squad member to congratulate Porter was the man he will replace on Saturday, Ellis Genge, made it all the sweeter as a moment to savour. "Yeah, he was the first one. It's been said so many times but you come into this squad with perceptions of different players. You're so used to playing against them in the Champions Cup or Six Nations or wherever but your perceptions are dashed pretty much the minute you step in the door. 'Me and Ellis were rooming together as well, so I got to know him better. He's an incredible guy, an incredible player, and it's been great to build a friendship as well as learn from him. He's one of the best in the business, so it's great being able to become closer as mates and learn from each other along the way. "But yeah, he was the first one to congratulate me yesterday and sure he handed out my cap to me last week instead of my dad. So he's the dad of the squad. He's a great fella and a great player. 'Starting or finishing, it's a huge honour to do both in a Lions Test team. 'Probably everyone would probably say starting. But, being a part of this squad is just an incredible privilege and incredibly grateful to be part of it, whether it's on the bench last week or starting this week.' 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Lennox Lewis says he would've beaten count if he was Daniel Dubois but refuses to slam Brit for party before Usyk loss
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