Summary:
- Henry Pollock is back from injury and named on the bench after missing the Waratahs game with a calf issue.
- Maro Itoje leads a full-strength Lions XV, with key starters including Finn Russell, Bundee Aki, and Garry Ringrose.
- Pundits Sam Warburton and Will Greenwood believe several forward spots remain contested ahead of the Australia Tests.
Henry Pollock has been named on the bench for the British and Irish Lions’ clash with the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday with odds available with selected non UK Betting Sites.
The 20-year-old Banbury native will return to the squad after a minor calf issue kept him out of Saturday’s game against the Waratahs.
Pollock Ready to Prove Himself Ahead of Test Series
Pollock was originally slated to start in Sydney but was withdrawn just before kickoff as the Lions ground out an unconvincing 21-10 win.
His inclusion this time gives him a chance to impress ahead of the Test series. Captain Maro Itoje is back to lead what many believe is the strongest XV Andy Farrell has named so far on British & Irish Australia tour.
Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn is the only player to retain his place from Saturday, shifting from wing to full-back as he makes his first start there, having joined late due to club commitments with Toulouse.
Itoje will partner Joe McCarthy in the second row, and several other first-choice names are included: Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell at half-back, and an Irish midfield pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose.
Tommy Freeman and James Lowe, seen as front-runners for the Test wings, also start, with Mack Hansen on the bench for back-three cover.
Pollock and Marcus Smith are named among the replacements, both eager to make a statement with the Wallabies series looming.
Farrell confirmed Owen Farrell remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a fractured arm, having joined the squad as a late injury replacement.
Warburton and Greenwood Made Predictions
Elsewhere, former Lions Sam Warburton and Will Greenwood offered their take on the possible Test XV following the Waratahs match, noting five positions, particularly in the pack, still up for grabs.
Out of the eight forwards, we’d all go nailed on: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8. [Ellis] Genge, [Dan] Sheehan, [Maro] Itoje, [Joe] McCarthy, [Jack] Conan. We’re all pretty strong there.
He felt Tadhg Beirne’s shaky showing against the Waratahs had opened the door for Ollie Chessum at blindside.
Warburton added:
The one where we probably disagree a little bit is No 7 [openside flanker]. I’ve gone Jac Morgan and you’ve gone to Josh van der Flier… I’m going to double down on physicality because that’s what wins Test matches.
John Barclay also highlighted Chessum’s growing case:
We’ve hardly seen him at six, but he brings so much aggression, physicality, and ball-carrying ability. He’s put himself right in the mix.
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