Andy Farrell confirms plan to replace Lions star as two candidates emerge

Lions boss Andy Farrell faces a first Test selection nightmare after the double injury blow to Luke Cowan-Dickie and Garry Ringrose. The squad fly to Brisbane today and Farrell looks set to be without the pair, who both have head injuries, for the opener against the Wallabies at the weekend.

The head coach is mulling over his options to replace Cowan-Dickie with England's Jamie George and Wales' Dewi Lake the main contenders but may not bring in anyone for Ringrose who is expected to be fit for the second Test.

George is in Argentina whilst Lake is in Japan but Farrell is adamant the choice will not be about quickly the replacement can get to Australia.

Asked if he would send for hooker cover, Farrell said: "It looks like that. We will see how things pan out over the next 24 hours. I don't know where Luke's HIA record lies at this moment in time so I would be guessing.

"It will be the right person for the squad because we are down to the business end aren't we and there is a lot of rugby to be played."

Dan Sheehan looks set to start the first Test as hooker, with Ronan Kelleher on the bench and Scotland's Huw Jones would slot in at 13 for Ringrose but Farrell needs front row cover for training this week.

Jones, who impressed in the 48-0 win over an AUNZ XV yesterday, said: "No-one told me, which I think was probably a good thing, because then it didn't mess with my head. So coming into this I was actually sort of like, it's another game."

George was gutted not to make the initial selection but still trained with the Lions in Portugal and Dublin before they travelled to Australia.

Tadhg Beirne, captain yesterday (SAT), said: "I know Jamie was particularly disappointed but he was unbelievable, he always is, and I think it's testament to the bloke he is in terms of getting the lads get ready and helping those around him. The reality is it is a difficult position mentally but you just have to get on with it."

The Lions will train Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Farrell expected to name his 23 for Brisbane on Thursday and Beirne urged those not picked not to sulk but crack on with training.

Beirne added: "It's a little bit out of our control at this point. Everyone's going to be anxious and want to be in that 23 but if you're not it's about how you react to that then, it's about preparing those 23 because we're all here with one goal in mind.