Scottish stars answer B&I Lions SOS
INJURY UPDATE: The British and Irish Lions arrived in Melbourne on Sunday with the news that more replacements have been called up.
The B&I Lions are preparing for Tuesday’s fixture against the First Nations & Pasifika XV and the Second Test of the tour.
Scotland and Glasgow Warriors back row forward Gregor Brown joined the squad in Melbourne on Sunday.
Brown made his Scotland debut against Canada in 2024.
Brown’s Scotland teammates Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman also linked up with the squad in Melbourne on Sunday.
The replacements follow the significant injury suffered by Joe McCarthy in the 27-19 first Test win over Australia at the weekend.
The big second row was removed from the pitch just two minutes into the second half after a barnstorming first Test performance.
He suffered a ‘Plantar fascia’ injury.
The injury, which can typically take a long time to clear up, could potentially throw doubt on his second Test involvement in Melbourne next week.
Meanwhile, the B&I Lions coach, Andy Farrell, said his team is in a “fantastic place” with room to improve as they brace for the Wallabies to do the same in a must-win Melbourne Test for the hosts.
The Lions were dominant early in their Brisbane opener, leading 24-5 before the Wallabies managed two late tries and came close to scoring at least two more this past Saturday.
The Lions will play a First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday in Melbourne before attempting to seal the series at the MCG on Saturday.
Twelve years ago the Lions were in the same place before James Horwill’s Wallabies forced a Sydney decider with an emotional 16-15 win.
“So we roll on to the second game knowing full well what happened in 2013,” Farrell said.
“When an Australian team comes desperate, it’s difficult to handle, but we expect more of ourselves as well.
“It’ll mean the world to them. We need to make sure we’re ready for them.”
The Wallabies, who conceded for the final time in the 42nd minute, will take some momentum to Victoria and also be boosted by the availability of key pair Rob Valetini and Will Skelton.
Their physicality was missed in a one-sided first half before the Wallabies’ bench also gave Joe Schmidt something to ponder, scrumhalf Tate McDermott and flanker Carlo Tizzano both scoring tries.
McDermott entered the fray just as Reds teammate and flyhalf Tom Lynagh departed.
* Additional reporting by AAP
