The British & Irish Lions have rarely been as heavily favoured to win a test as they will be for their opening clash with Australia on Saturday, even if you might not guess it listening to coach Andy Farrell.

For the first time in more than 100 years, no Welshman will be involved when the British and Irish Lions play a Test match.

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has suggested that there has been a lack of “respect” given to his side ahead of the British and Irish Lions series. The two sides will go head-to-head in Brisbane this weekend in the first of three Tests, with the visitors heavy favourites for the contest.

Of all the moments of reckoning for Welsh rugby since the last World Cup, few have been so bleak as the principality’s failure to produce even a single member of the British and Irish Lions squad here in Brisbane,

Andy Farrell names British and Irish Lions squad to face Australia in first Test; Tom Curry, Sione Tuipulotu start; Owen Farrell, Henry Pollock not in 23; watch first Australia vs Lions Test on Saturd

Andy Farrell has named his British and Irish Lions matchday squad for the Test series opener against Australia in Brisbane. Maro Itoje will captain the famous touring team in what will be his 100th Test appearance and will be partnered by Joe McCarthy in the second-row.

The Ireland and Connacht star has impressed during the tour so far to stake his claim to rival the likes of James Lowe and Tommy Freeman for a starting spot on the wing against the Wallabies, only to suffer a foot injury during the final warm-up game against an AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide on Saturday.

Darcy Graham, Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman will become the latest Lions as Andy Farrell's squad rises to 44 players.