Schmidt hits back at Lions' demand

AUSTRALIA head coach Joe Schmidt has hit back at the Brit-ish and Irish Lions over their warning he is contractually obliged to release his stars to their Super Rugby franchises throughout the tour.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley on Monday called for all Wallabies to be allowed to represent the Western Force, Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies in the build-up to the Test series, stating their involvement is part of the tour agreement.

Head coach Andy Farrell wants his squad to be battle-hardened by the time international hostilities commence on July 19, but Schmidt has said he will ring-fence a core of 25 players for the warm-up game against Fiji on July 6 to ensure they avoid injury.

Only Saturday's opponents the Western Force are certain to have access to their full contingent of Wallabies, with Schmidt insisting it is unrealistic to expect front-line operators such as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau to double up for their franchise and country.

"There's some serious plate-spinning at the moment, trying to get ready," Schmidt said.