Rugby union correspondent Chris Jones in Brisbane:
Andy Farrell admits this team is a little different to the one he imagined many months ago, and the Lions management would have weighed form against pedigree when selecting the side.
Before the tour Andrew Porter would perhaps have had his nose in front of Genge, but the latter’s performances have helped secure the starting shirt. Likewise McCarthy, who has played his way into the second row alongside skipper Itoje.
The outstanding Sheehan was a shoo-in at hooker, while Furlong, Beirne, Curry and Conan all have Lions Test match experience, which would have been a decisive factor in their selections.
Chessum is unlucky not to start, but has the consolation of making the matchday squad, while Morgan is doubly unlucky and couldn’t have done much more.
Behind the scrum, Gibson-Park and Russell have been the Test half-backs from a long way out, while the injuries to Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen and Kinghorn means the rest of the backline almost picks itself.
Bundee Aki against Tuipulotu would have been close, with Farrell understandably opting for the Scottish connection and using Aki’s power as an impact from the bench.
Talking of the replacements, Farrell suggested his son Owen needs some more game-time, while Marcus Smith’s ability to cover full-back has helped get him the nod over namesake Fin.
