Introduction

The British and Irish Lions continue their tour in Australia with a high-stakes match against the ACT Brumbies at the GIO Stadium in Canberra. This game is not just a test of skill but a preparation for the upcoming Test series against the Wallabies.

Venue and Time

The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 July, kicking off at 11:00 BST (20:00 local time) at the 25,000-capacity GIO Stadium, Canberra.

Team News

British and Irish Lions:

• Captain: Maro Itoje returns to lead the team.
• Key Players: Blair Kinghorn starts at full-back, with Tommy Freeman and James Lowe on the wings.
• Midfield: Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki form the center partnership.

ACT Brumbies:

• Key Players: Tom Hooper, fresh from the Wallabies' victory over Fiji, leads the forward pack.
• Coaching: Stephen Larkham, a veteran of the 2001 Lions tour, coaches the Brumbies.

How to Follow

• Live Coverage: Follow the live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
• Post-Match: Analysis and reactions will be available on Radio 5 Live and the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

Recent Form

Brumbies: Finished third in the Super Rugby Pacific table and reached the semi-finals. Lions: Undefeated in their three matches in Australia this summer.

Conclusion

This match is a crucial encounter for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies and line-ups ahead of the Test series. With both teams in strong form, the game promises to be a thrilling encounter.