Brumbies clash puts Lions Test contenders under selection microscope

Lions head coach Andy Farrell said he wants his players to "stay in every single moment of the game" against the Brumbies on Wednesday. 

Andy Farrell said selecting the Lions Test team is not just about picking the best players. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Time and matches are running out for the 38 players in Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions squad to prove to their boss they have what it takes to make the team to face Australia in 11 days.

The 15 selected on Monday on arrival in the nation’s capital to face the Brumbies on Wednesday night must be considered the favourites to start that first of three Tests against the Wallabies given this match’s proximity to the series opener and the stern test the hosts possess as the leading Super Rugby franchise on these shores. This Saturday’s meeting with the Australian/New Zealand invitation XV in Adelaide will provide a final opportunity to break through into the Test matchday 23 seven days later but the onus is on Wednesday night’s squad to remove any doubt from Farrell’s mind that they belong in the Test team.