Try GOLD - Free
Farrell embraces 'favourites' tag
The Journal
|July 18, 2025
ANDY Farrell has urged his British and Irish Lions to rise to the occasion knowing they enter Saturday's first Test against Australia as heavy favourites.
Farrell has picked a powerful pack including flankers Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne for the series opener, with Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones forming a potent all-Scotland midfield trio.
Ireland dominate the starting XV with an eight-strong contingent, while England provide four players and Scotland three.
For the first time since 1896 there is no Welshman in the squad for a Test against traditional opponents Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
The Lions were expected to seize the initiative by winning even before bulldozing Australia forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton were ruled out of the Suncorp Stadium showdown by calf injuries on Thursday.
This story is from the July 18, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
Seven rare species found at conservation charity sites
THE discovery of seven rare species at National Trust for Scotland sites in 2025 is a “powerful sign” its conservation efforts are working, the charity has said.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Belief is always in our minds, says boss
HEAD coach Régis Le Bris once again praised Sunderland’s character as Brian Brobbey’s late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
HORSE POWER Augustus Gloop can have his fill at Wolverhampton
JAMES Fanshawe’s Augustus Gloop was a ready winner on his third start and can go in again in the Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM Handicap at Wolverhampton.
1 min
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Councillor urges parking rethink after shop closes
TYNEMOUTH is in need of a fresh parking solution in the light of a closure of a Front Street business, says a councillor.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Teenage ace Miley didn't put a foot wrong, says Shearer
NEWCASTLE United teenager Lewis Miley was the 'best player on the pitch by a mile' in the Magpies' 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
1 min
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Spurs point was fully deserved, says Brian
STRIKER Brian Brobbey believes Sunderland’s second-half response was “fully deserved” after his late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in north London.
1 min
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Search begins for new man at Man Utd
WITH Mancheste United sacking manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, the search is on for a new boss at Old Trafford.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Freezing conditions to persist as schools and roads hit by icy blast
FREEZING conditions are expected to remain for the rest of the week across the region after fresh falls of snow caused school closures and transport problems.
3 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Sara hoping Mr Vango gets chance
SARA Bradstock is on her habitual weather watch with Mr Vango as she hopes for sufficient rain to enable her giant chaser to run inthe William Hill Half A Mill Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Driver hunted after crash
POLICE are hunting a driver after a stolen vehicle which crashed into a police car was later found abandoned in Newcastle.
1 min
January 06, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size