British and Irish Lions play final warm-up match ahead Australia Test series

The British and Irish Lions are finalizing their Test squad ahead of the first match against Australia in Brisbane, with key selection battles in the back row and uncertainties around players such as Garry Ringrose due to injury. Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, has been deliberating extensively on the starting XV, with betting markets reflecting the difficulty in predicting his choices, especially given recent injuries and the team's preference for secrecy around player conditions. The Lions have shown solid form in their warm-up matches, including a recent game against a combined Australia-New Zealand invitational side captained by Munster's Tadhg Beirne. Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster highlighted the high expectations placed on the Lions, noting the predominantly Irish composition of the squad and the pressure to succeed, given their status as favorites in the series. Bookmakers have made the Lions heavy favorites to win the series, offering boosted odds for a 3-0 sweep against Australia, recalling their successful 2013 tour where they won 2-1. The upcoming matches will be a stern test as the Lions seek to convert their promising performances into Test match success.