Farrell looking for 'dominant partnership' between Aki and Tuipulotu 

“They've been great. Getting on the same page, sharing each other's strengths and weaknesses, etc, and trying to get across what is a new system to everyone."

DOMINANT PARTNERSHIP: Lions head coach Andy Farrell is looking for a dominant partnership between Sione Tuipulotu and Bundee Aki. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Of all the combinations set to be unleashed by the British & Irish Lions against Argentina in Dublin on Friday night, their midfield of Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu looks one of the most Test-ready for the series against Australia.

Of course, there is a lot of water set to pass under all manner of bridges before head coach Andy Farrell commits to the starting XV to face the Wallabies in Brisbane on July 19, not least five tour matches Down Under against Western Force, Queensland Reds, Waratahs, Brumbies and a Australia/New Zealand Invitational side seven days out from the first Test.