Lions duo ruled out

The British and Irish Lions have been forced into a late double change for the opening match of their tour of South Africa after forwards Andy Powell and Stephen Ferris were ruled out by injury.

Powell, who was due to start at number eight against a Royal XV in Phokeng this afternoon, has suffered a hand problem which is understood to have been caused by an insect bite.

The Welshman will be replaced by Munster’s David Wallace, while the place on the bench due to be filled by flanker Ferris is instead taken by his Ireland team-mate Jamie Heaslip.

Ferris suffered a calf muscle injury in training this week.