Farrell embraces 'favourites' tag

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.

- By DUNCAN BECH

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.