England flanker Tom Curry is set to start in the back row for the British and Irish Lions in the first Test against Australia, with Wales’ Jac Morgan missing out on selection.
Morgan, Wales’ only representative in the 44-man squad, had been pushing hard for a place on the open-side flank after some outstanding performances on tour.
But Lions boss Andy Farrell is set to opt for Curry’s pedigree and experience when the team is confirmed on Thursday.
Meanwhile, it is understood Sione Tuipulotu will start at inside centre as part of an all-Scottish midfield.
The Glasgow centre is expected to line up in-between fly-half Finn Russell and club-mate Huw Jones.
If confirmed, it will be the first time since 1993 one country has provided the 10/12/13 axis in a Lions Test, when Englishmen Rob Andrew, Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott all played in the series opener against New Zealand.
Elsewhere, Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and England’s Ollie Chessum are competing to join Curry and the Irishman Jack Conan in the back row..
Jamison Gibson-Park is set to partner Finn Russell at half-back, with James Lowe, Tommy Freeman and Hugo Keenan the likely back three.
It is also thought Owen Farrell could miss out on the matchday squad.
Farrell came off the bench last weekend against the Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV, producing a neat cameo in a thumping Lions victory, and was expected to be in contention to make the bench given his ability to play fly-half and centre.
However, it was the former England skipper’s first game in 10 weeks, with suggestions from sources that it is a little too soon for Farrell to return to the Test arena.
If Farrell does not make it, compatriot Marcus Smith is set to feature among the replacements.
