Morgan 'so close' to making Test team

Lions coach Farrell admits to having to make tough choices

- By BEN JAMES

BRITISH & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell says Wales captain Jac Morgan was “as close as you could imagine” to making the Test team to face Australia in Brisbane this Saturday.

The Ospreys back-row missed out on the match-day 23, making this the first Lions Test team since 1896 to not feature a Welsh player.

Ireland No. 8 Jack Conan was always likely to start at the back of the scrum, while Tadhg Beirne - even if he hadn’t reached his best form on this tour - was no surprise at blindside.

However, the seven jersey was particularly tough to call.

In the end, Tom Curry was selected to start at Suncorp Stadium - with Farrell favourite Josh van der Flier also overlooked in a highly competitive back-row competition.