The Lions are in danger of being forced to change a winning team for the second Test, after calling up Scotland lock Gregor Brown as cover for the injured Joe McCarthy of Ireland.
Brown arrived in camp with the British and Irish squad after their flight here from Brisbane, joining compatriots Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman as reinforcements, taking the number of players on duty up to 45.Â
The trio, along with Ireland prop Tom Clarkson, are set to be involved in the game against a First Nations-Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.
McCarthy suffered a foot injury in the 27-19 win over Australia in the first Test at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane last Saturday.Â
He was forced to leave the field just after half-time and amid doubts about his availability for the next international match, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.Â
Brown has been summoned to take part in the midweek fixture and ensure England’s Ollie Chessum is kept fit and fresh for the second Test.
The Lions have called up Scotland lock Gregor Brown (left) as cover for Joe McCarthyÂ
McCarthy of Ireland suffered a foot injury in the 27-19 win over Australia in the first Test
Andy Farrell is in danger of being forced to change a winning team for the second Test
If McCarthy is ruled out of the pivotal encounter with the Wallabies – which would be a setback for the Lions, given his thunderous impact in Brisbane – the most likely fall-back plan would see Chessum promoted to partner his compatriot, captain Maro Itoje, in the second row.
Meanwhile, the tourists’ head coach, Andy Farrell, is optimistic that injured backs Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen and Blair Kinghorn can recover from injuries in time to be in contention for a role in the match-day 23 for the second Test.Â
The Lions will come up against a First Nations-Pasifika XV side captained from fly-half by veteran utility back Kurtley Beale – while Taniela ‘Tongan Thor’ Tupou will line up at tighthead prop, in the hope of forcing his way into Wallabies contention.
