Twelvetrees backs Lions for series win

BILLY Twelvetrees is backing the British and Irish Lions to roar to success in Australia this summer, fired up by the exciting squad Andy Farrell has assembled for the trip Down Under.

- By MARK STEVENS

Twelvetrees, himself a Lions tourist in Australia in 2013, believes the blend of battle-hardened leaders and dynamic young guns gives the team all the ingredients for a triumphant tour:

"I think it’s a strong squad," he said. "I feel for those who have missed out, someone like George Ford for example, but it shows the ruthless nature of the sport. There are lots of players who probably feel they should be there, but it’s pretty cut throat at that level.