Itoje back as Lions take no chances against ACT Brumbies

With just two more warm-up matches to play, starting with the Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday, the line-up for the opening Test on July 19 is starting to take shape.

But Farrell said nothing was locked in.

"Players can play themselves in and play themselves out," he said. "At the same time, all we're looking for is a cohesive team performance and that's at the forefront of what we're trying to achieve.

"I mean, the nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded," he added.

"You have to stay open-minded. Otherwise, a closed book is not good for anyone."

After two commanding wins to open their Australia tour, the Lions were scrappy in their last game against the NSW Waratahs and the strength of the team to face the Brumbies suggests Farrell is taking no chances against Australia's best Super Rugby side.

The Brumbies were the only provincial team to beat the Lions on their last tour to Australia in 2013, upsetting Warren Gatland's men 14-12.

Maro Itoje is restored as captain while Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park return as the half-back combination.

England's Itoje was immense in their 52-12 thrashing of the Queensland Reds and will once again be partnered by Ireland's Joe McCarthy in the second row.

The front row boasts England loosehead Ellis Genge and Ireland pair Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong at hooker and tighthead.

Jack Conan gets a chance at No.8, with English duo Tom Curry and Ollie Chessum making up the back row.

Ireland's Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose form a familiar partnership in the centres, with Scotland's Blair Kinghorn at fullback and England's Tommy Freeman and Ireland's James Lowe on the wings.

There was no room in the matchday 23 for Owen Farrell, who was controversially called up last week as injury cover after utility back Elliot Daly was ruled out of the tour with a fractured arm.

"There's a lot of history that goes behind this fixture," said Farrell. "We know the challenge ahead of us, and it's something that we're we're looking forward to."

British and Irish Lions (15-1):

Blair Kinghorn; Tommy Freeman, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Tom Curry, Ollie Chessum; Joe McCarthy, Maro Itoje (capt); Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen