Brian O’Driscoll is virtually a certainty to start the first test against the Wallabies on Saturday. His Irish teammates Paul O’Connell and Jonathan Sexton appear to be the only other definite starters.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland conceded his side “got what they deserved” after seeing their unbeaten tour record disappear in a disappointing showing against the Brumbies.

The Lions lost their unbeaten tour record just four days before tackling Australia after Jake White’s Brumbies deservedly triumphed at Canberra Stadium.

Paul O’Connell believes there is “savage competition” for places in the British and Irish Lions squad as the countdown continues towards next Saturday’s first Test against Australia.

Warren Gatland saluted his players for their “absolutely fantastic” discipline after the British and Lions warmed up for next week’s first Test showdown against Australia with another crushing win.

Sexton, O’Connell and Heaslip to start alongside Lions debutant Simon Zebo against NSW Waratahs on Saturday.

He’s Australian by birth, but having spent the best part of ten years in Ireland as head coach for Munster and backs coach for Leinster and Ireland, Alan Gaffney is as close to Irish as you’ll get.

Sean O’Brien anticipates his former Leinster boss Michael Cheika sending out a fired-up New South Wales Waratahs team against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

The Lions romped to a predictably emphatic success against comfortably their weakest Australia tour opponents as they ran in 10 tries at Hunter Stadium.

Ireland back Simon Zebo says he has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad as a possible replacement for the injured Tommy Bowe after playing against the US Eagles in Houston.