Strong Lions side is ready to roar in Test rehearsal

ANDY Farrell has named his strongest British and Irish team Lions team yet with tomorrow's match against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra shaping up to be a dry run for the first Test against Australia.

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Maro Itoje leads the side as part of a second-row partnership with Joe McCarthy and across the starting XV there are picks considered first choice, including halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell.

Providing X-factor on the bench are back-rower Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are ready to take on the Wallabies on July 19.

Pollock was due to start Saturday's shaky 21-10 victory over the New South Wales Waratahs but withdrew shortly before kickoff because of a tight calf, an injury that has now healed.