Lions have bigger fish to fry than Force

The Western Force may have other priorities but that will not concern the British & Irish Lions one bit as they begin the Australian leg of their tour at Patersons Stadium in Perth this morning (11am Irish time).

Rather like two lovers discussing the reasons for a difficult break-up, the Australian Super XV strugglers have been told “it’s not about you, it’s about me” by the Lions coaching think tank, who will be a step closer after this to assessing the merits of their players for selection ahead of the three-Test series with the Wallabies beginning on June 22 in Brisbane.

So, whether the Force, who have named a weakened side just four days ahead of an all-Australian Super XV clash with the Waratahs, come to the party or not, the Lions will be focused purely on who in red steps up to the mark and lays down a marker for a coveted Test spot.