Marcus Smith defies odds to claim Lions spot for first Wallabies Test
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Andy Farrell opts for Smith’s versatility over son Owen
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Tom Curry to start in back row with Beirne and Conan
Marcus Smith has been named on the bench for the British & Irish Lions’ first Test against Australia, while Tom Curry and Sione Tuipulotu have been selected to start in Brisbane on Saturday.
Smith has defied the odds to claim a place in the matchday 23, benefiting from injuries to Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen and being preferred to Owen Farrell among the replacements.