There is a storm heading the Lions’ way this weekend in every sense. The local weather forecasters are predicting rain and the Australian mood is also hardening before Saturday’s second Test. This is not an obvious moment for casual flights of fancy and the intensity of the approaching battle has duly been reflected in Andy Farrell’s no-nonsense team selection.
With series victory potentially just 80 minutes away, Farrell has prioritised physicality and cohesion, to the point where jokes about renaming the side the Irish & British Lions are resurfacing. There would have been 10 Ireland players in this starting XV had Garry Ringrose not withdrawn just before the team announcement, with a couple more in reserve for good measure.
