The highly anticipated first Test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia is set to take place this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action and understand the stakes.

Match Details

• When: Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. AEST (11 a.m. BST)
• Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
• Match Official: Ben O'Keeffe

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Stan Sport in Australia. For radio listeners, TalkSport will provide live commentary, with BBC Radio Wales offering Welsh commentary. Additionally, ESPN will feature a live blog and comprehensive coverage.

Team Lineups

Lions Team:

• Starting XV: 15-Hugo Keenan, 14-Tommy Freeman, 13-Huw Jones, 12-Sione Tuipulotu, 11-James Lowe, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Jamison Gibson-Park, 8-Jack Conan, 7-Tom Curry, 6-Tadhg Beirne, 5-Joe McCarthy, 4-Maro Itoje (captain), 3-Tadhg Furlong, 2-Dan Sheehan, 1-Ellis Genge
• Replacements: 16-Ronan Kelleher, 17-Andrew Porter, 18-Will Stuart, 19-Ollie Chessum, 20-Ben Earl, 21-Alex Mitchell, 22-Marcus Smith, 23-Bundee Aki

Australia Team:

• Starting XV: 15-Tom Wright, 14-Max Jorgensen, 13-Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12-Len Ikitau, 11-Harry Potter, 10-Tom Lynagh, 9-Jake Gordon, 8-Harry Wilson (captain), 7-Fraser McReight, 6-Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5-Jeremy Williams, 4-Nick Frost, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 2-Matt Faessler, 1-James Slipper
• Replacements: 16-Billy Pollard, 17-Angus Bell, 18-Tom Robertson, 19-Tom Hooper, 20-Carlo Tizzano, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Ben Donaldson, 23-Andrew Kellaway

Form Guide

The Lions enter the match as strong favorites, having won all their warmup games in Australia. Their recent form includes a commanding 48-0 victory over the AUNZ Invitational side. In contrast, Australia has struggled, winning only four of their last 11 Tests. Their recent 21-18 win over Fiji did little to inspire confidence, especially following losses to Ireland and Scotland last autumn.

Key Insights

• Lions' Strategy: Andy Farrell’s side will aim to capitalize on their current momentum and set a dominant tone early in the series.
• Australia’s Challenge: Despite injuries and poor form, Australia will look to leverage home advantage and disrupt the Lions’ rhythm.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying start to this three-Test series!