Itoje to Valetini: five to watch when the Lions face Australia

THE British & Irish Lions kick off a nine-game tour of Australia this week, which includes Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

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Here is a look at five players who could prove pivotal to the series:

*Maro Itoje (ENG)

The Lions rarely win Test series in four of seven international campaigns since rugby union turned professional they have returned home a beaten team.

But one constant across the generations is that when they have been triumphant, their captain has led from the front in outstanding fashion.

That task now falls to inspirational Saracens lock Maro Itoje, a key figure in the last two Lions tours.

A three-time World Rugby player-of-the-year nominee, the England captain has been entrusted with steering the tourists to a first series win since a 2013 triumph against Australia.

Should he do so, the 30-year-old will underline his standing as one of the all-time greats.

*Rob Valetini (AUS)