The British and Irish Lions have named an experimental backline for their match against the top Australian side, the ACT Brumbies on Tuesday night. This match is the toughest match outside the tests and given the new combinations in the British and Irish Lions team, this game will be closer than most other games on this tour. The British and Irish Lions have called for reinforcements with Brad Barritt, Billy Twelvetrees, Christian Wade and Shane Williams all rushed into the side to play the Brumbies. It will be interesting to see how this backline performs.

The Brumbies have fielded the strongest team possible, including two Wallabies squad members Scott Sio and Peter Kimlin, who will captain the side. They have four players making their Brumbies debut, but this side will be competitive on Tuesday night, even without their Wallaby stars.  The Brumbies have an almost full strength backline, but may lack some firepower in the forwards.

For www.testrugby.com managers there are plenty of options for this game.

While you want to stack your team with British and Irish Lions who will probably win and score tries, there are options. For example, the newly arrived Billy Twelvetrees is an absolute bargain. Stuart Hogg is a must have as he will be goal kicking and an outside back in testrugby.com. I am picking Rob Kearney to do well through catching the kicks from the Brumbies who usually play field position. The British and Irish Lions may introduce their subs early if they get a healthy lead. It is difficult to know how 36 year old Shane Williams will go.

The Brumbies could provide more players to your team than most other Australian sides have. Hooker Siliva Siliva is a bargain priced starting hooker, while both Scott Fardy and Peter Kimlin are listed as locks despite playing in the loose forwards where they will make more tackles. Colby Faingaa, Jesse Mogg and Henry Speight are exciting players, although there are plenty of options in their positions. Matt Toomua is a good option at inside back given the limited alternatives in that position. 

I am picking the British and Irish Lions by 18 points.

Who are you picking to win? Do the ACT Brumbies have any chance of winning? Which players are you picking for your team and why?

British and Irish Lions vs ACT Brumbies team lists

British and Irish Lions: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Christian Wade, 13 Brad Barritt, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stuart Hogg, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Richie Gray, 4 Ian Evans, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Ryan Grant.

Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Alex Corbisiero, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Geoff Parling, 20 Dan Lydiate, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Simon Zebo.

Brumbies

1. Ruan Smith,2. Siliva Siliva ,3. Scott Sio,4. Leon Power,5. Sam Carter,6. Scott Fardy,7. Colby Faingaa,8. Peter Kimlin (c),9. Ian Prior,10. Matt Toomua,11. Clyde Rathbone,12. Andrew Smith,13. Tevita Kuridrani,14. Henry Speight,15. Jesse Mogg

Replacements:16. Josh Mann-Rea,17. Jean-Pierre Smith,18. Chris Cocca,19. Etienne Oosthuizen,20. Jordan Smiler,21. Mark Swanepoel,22. Robbie Coleman,23. Zack Holmes.