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Huwipulotu get nod in centre as Lions name team for first Test
By Ian Cameron
Andy Farrell has gone with the ‘Huwipulotu’ centre combo for the First Test of the British & Irish Lions series against Australia, opting for an all-Scottish midfield pairing of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.
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The Glasgow Warriors duo, who have formed a potent partnership in dark blue, now carry the burden of red-shirted expectation into Saturday night’s series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
With Garry Ringrose ruled out with injury, it seems Farrell has preferred a tried-and-tested Test combo over a starting partnership that included Irish centre Bundee Aki, who has to make do with the No.23 jersey.
With Finn Russell pulling the strings at No.10, it’s a full Caledonian 10-12-13 axis.
He has also gone for Ireland and Munster forward Tadhg Beirne at six, who scrums down alongside Jack Conan at No.8 and Tom Curry at openside.
Hugo Keenan takes the 15 jersey alongside England’s Tommy Freeman and Ireland’s James Lowe on the wings.
Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong make up the front row – with Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter and Will Stuart the front-row replacements.
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Maro Itoje and Joe McCarthy join forces in the second row, with Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl covering the back-five forward slots off the pine.
Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell said: “We are entering the business end of the Tour and it is time to put in our best performance to date.
“We know how motivated the Wallabies will be and we know they are a well-organised and dangerous side.
“It is a great occasion and a proud moment for Maro Itoje, who will captain the Test side, but also for those players who get the opportunity to represent the group on Saturday night.
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“We have seen a flood of Lions supporters on the streets of Brisbane this week and we are looking forward to seeing a Sea of Red in the stands of the Suncorp Stadium cheering on the team.”
British & Irish Lions:
15 Hugo Keenan
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. James Lowe
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Ellis Genge
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Joe McCarthy
6. Tadhg Beirne
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher
17. Andrew Porter
18. Will Stuart
19. Ollie Chessum
20. Ben Earl
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Marcus Smith
23. Bundee Aki