The Albany Gazette - Lions boss Farrell says Test places still up for grabs

Maro Itoje, already named tour captain, will lead the Lions for the first time at the Aviva Stadium, with several of the England skipper's international team-mates in the starting line-up.

Marcus Smith has been installed at full-back behind an all-England half-back duo of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith.

Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong has a chance to prove his fitness after being named on the bench following a calf strain that has sidelined him since early May.

Up to 14 players could make their Lions debuts before the squad departs Saturday for a three-Test series in Australia.

"I did an exercise a couple of weeks ago, and I've done it about five times since, of choosing what the Test side could be," said Farrell after announcing his team to play Argentina on Wednesday.

"You actually can't even go there because there's such good competition and that's how it should be.

"The exciting thing about Friday night is these guys get to show the team-mates who are sat in the stand what they're all about."

Farrell added: "You can give yourself any excuse as far as time together is concerned, but we've had good prep and if you want to be a good Lions player you've got to hit your straps straight from the off."

Argentina, ranked fifth in the world, were also warm-up opponents for the Lions in 2005 when they held Clive Woodward's side to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for myself and the whole team," said Saracens lock Itoje. "This is our first opportunity to set the standard that we want to be set and be the kind of team that we want to be."

The Lions play their first tour match in Australia against the Western Force in Perth a week Saturday.

Four more games follow before the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane on July 19.

(B.Smith--TAG)