British & Irish Lions v Argentina: Dublin acid test for Farrell’s men

Before heading Down Under, Australia and the world get a first opportunity to see some of the British & Irish Lions stars in action when they face a strong Argentina side at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday morning.

Head coach Andy Farrell has selected a side packed with pace and power to face Argentina, who themselves will certainly be no pushovers in this exciting clash in Dublin.

British & Irish Lions v Argentina betting preview

Lions ready to get up and running

With the squad announcement and the available players being put through their paces, it’s finally time to see some of these Lions stars in action before heading down to Australia.

Skipper Maro Itoje is selected in a pack that includes Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Finlay Bealham in the front row.

Itoje partners Tadhg Beirne in the second row, with Tom Curry, Jac Morgan and Ben Earl in the back row.

Northampton Saints pairing of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith start in the halves, with powerful duo Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu in the centres.

Tommy Freeman, Duhan Van der Merwe and Marcus Smith make up a back three with pace and finishing ability that should cause the Pumas problems.

The Lions are heavy favourites at 1.10 to win, while they are available at 1.90 with a -17 handicap.

Scotland winger Van der Merwe and England’s Freeman are both 1.80 in the anytime tryscorer market, while the pair are also both 9.00 in the first tryscorer market.

Los Pumas eyeing major scalp

Having a chance to play the Lions does not come around often for Argentina, with their last meeting coming back in 2005.

That game saw the Pumas earn a draw against the Lions in Cardiff, and the South Americans will be looking to catch the men in red cold this weekend.

Argentina do have the benefit of being familiar with each other and head coach  Felipe Contepomi has named a strong side for his clash in Dublin.

The Pumas are 7.50 to cause an upset at the Aviva Stadium and claim a famous win over the Lions, while the draw on Saturday morning is currently available at 41.00.

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British & Irish Lions v Argentina odds

British & Irish Lions - 1.10
Tie - 41.00
Argentina - 7.50

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.