Australia vs Lions: First Test prediction, preview, odds, tips, line-ups and how to watch

The long wait is nearly over as the British and Irish Lions prepare for their first Test against Australia on Saturday.

Andy Farrell's men have shown some encouraging signs while going unbeaten in six warm-up games Down Under but their performance in the three Tests against the Wallabies, starting in Brisbane on Saturday, is how they will ultimately be judged as they hunt for their first series triumph since 2013.

Check out the latest odds, line-ups and best bets for the long-awaited first Test.

The Lions arrive in Brisbane off the back of a dominant tour so far, which they capped with a clinical 48–0 demolition of the AU-NZ Invitational XV.

Farrell’s squad has looked sharp and unified throughout, with several players making compelling cases for Test selection. However, a few injuries have complicated the picture.

Centre Garry Ringrose and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie have both been ruled out, while Blair Kinghorn is a serious doubt after picking up a knee injury. His absence could see Hugo Keenan step into the No.15 shirt, and there’s even talk of Owen Farrell forcing his way into the matchday 23.

Much of the Lions’ core will likely be built around their Irish contingent, with Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Andrew Porter all in strong contention.

In the midfield, Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu and Ireland's Bundee Aki will battle it out for the No12 jersey with Huw Jones nailed on to start at outside centre.

Australia, meanwhile, have had just one full outing together - a narrow 21-18 win over Wales - but Joe Schmidt’s influence is already evident. With home advantage and a physical pack, the Wallabies will be aiming to replicate their famous 2001 Test series win over the Lions.

Backs

• 15. Hugo Keenan

• 14. Mack Hansen

• 13. Huw Jones

• 12. Sione Tuipulotu

• 11. James Lowe

• 10. Finn Russell

• 9. Jamison Gibson-Park

Forwards

• 1. Ellis Genge

• 2. Dan Sheehan

• 3. Tadhg Furlong

• 4. Maro Itoje (c)

• 5. Joe McCarthy

• 6. Tadhg Beirne

• 7. Tom Curry

• 8. Jack Conan

Backs

• 15. Tom Wright

• 14. Harry Potter

• 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

• 12. Len Ikitau

• 11. Max Jorgensen

• 10. Noah Lolesio

• 9. Tate McDermott

Forwards

• 1. James Slipper

• 2 Dave Porecki

• 3. Allan Alaalatoa

• 4. Nick Frost

• 5. Jeremy Williams

• 6. Harry Wilson (c)

• 7. Fraser McReight

• 8. Langi Gleeson

The Lions will go in as favourites for the first Test, but it certainly won't be easy against a well-drilled Wallabies side who are more familiar with each other than the tourists.

Australia showed cohesion and structure in their recent win over Fiji, and will be buoyed by the home crowd in Brisbane.

As a result, a close victory for the Lions looks like good value.

With attacking firepower across both line-ups and warm-weather conditions expected in Brisbane, this series opener could be more open than many anticipate. The Lions have averaged over 40 points per game on tour, while the Wallabies showed their scoring edge against Fiji and boast explosive talent like Suaalii and Jorgensen out wide.

Joe Schmidt’s Australia are likely to push the tempo early, and with both benches packed with impact players, there’s every chance this contest opens up after the break.

Over 49.5 total match points looks a strong play at what could be a lively Suncorp Stadium.

View the latest rugby union odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.