Brumbies wary of 'strong, powerful' Lions

Coach Stephen Larkham said on July 7 that the ACT Brumbies have a "big opportunity" against the British and Irish Lions, but admitted they face a tough task with a team stripped of key Wallabies.

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CANBERRA - Coach Stephen Larkham said on July 7 that the ACT Brumbies have a "big opportunity" against the British and Irish Lions, but admitted they face a tough task with a team stripped of key Wallabies.

The Brumbies are the strongest of Australia's four Super Rugby sides and will take heart from the Lions' struggles to grind past an under-strength NSW Waratahs 21-10 at the weekend.

They were also the only provincial team to beat the tourists when last in Australia in 2013, stunning Warren Gatland's men 14-12.

But they will take on the might of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in Canberra on July 9 without their top players.

Eight Brumbies were in the Australia team who needed a last-gasp try to beat Fiji 21-18 on July 6, and seven of them will not feature.