The Lions had a good win against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, and a busy week leading up to it. The first of the HSBC Lions Weekly segments takes us behind the scenes, including an interview with Brian O’Driscoll, and post match feedback from two legends.
Throughout the tour we’ll be featuring regular Lions Weekly slots, which will cover all the news, views and off field goings on of the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Hong Kong and Australia.
Gareth Edwards and Martin Johnson did some youth coaching during the week, then after the game, they share their thoughts on what went down in Hong Kong.
Western Force fixture – Wednesday 5 June, 18:00 / 11:00 BST
Brian O’Driscoll chatted to Edwards about his fourth Lions tour, and today it was announced that he will captain the side that will face the Western Force in Perth on Wednesday.
The starting XV won’t include any of the players that started against the Barbarians.
“There were a lot of positives to come out of the first match in Hong Kong,” said Warren Gatland.
“Our fitness and application were excellent and we operated well in the set pieces. That said, it was our first match and naturally we were a bit rusty, and there is definitely room for improvement.
“With Brian at the helm you can be sure they will be ready to emulate the victory against the Barbarians. This is his fourth Lions tour and he is a respected leader.”
Lions team vs Western Force
Backs: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Tommy Bowe, 13. Brian O’Driscoll, 12. Manu Tuilagi,
11. George North, 10. Jonathan Sexton, 9. Conor Murray,
Forwards: 1. Cian Healy, 2. Rory Best, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Alun Wyn Jones, 5. Ian Evans,
6. Tom Croft, 7. Sean O’Brien, 8. Jamie Heaslip,
Reserves: 16. Tom Youngs, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Matt Stevens, 19. Geoff Parling,
20. Toby Faletau, 21. Ben Youngs, 22. Owen Farrell, 23. Sean Maitland
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