Lions Tour Will Be 'tougher Than People Expect'

British and Irish Lions fable Willie John McBride feels nan summer's circuit of Australia will beryllium "tougher than group expect".

Andy Farrell will squad for nan circuit of Australia later connected Thursday pinch England's Maro Itoje expected to beryllium named arsenic captain.

After slipping down nan world rankings, Australia person improved nether Joe Schmidt up of nan 3 Test matches pinch nan Lions.

"It's not an easy one," said McBride, who captained nan Lions' celebrated 'invincibles' circuit of South Africa successful 1974.

"Joe Schmidt is location and he has been rebuilding nan Australian team."

McBride added that nan Lions will recreation Down Under arsenic "favourites", but that tag does not person immoderate worth unless it is backed up connected nan pitch.

The five-time Lions tourer added that Farrell "has done a superb job" pinch Ireland and backed him to replicate that successful Australia.

"To spell to nan different broadside of nan world and benignant retired a squad is rather a occupation successful nan short region that they have," nan 84-year-old said.

"Andy Farrell has done a superb occupation for Ireland. He has done it pinch his feet connected nan crushed and done it calmly.

"He has built up a terrific squad and I deliberation he will do nan aforesaid point for nan Lions."

McBride feels that Farrell, who has won 2 Six Nations titles pinch Ireland, is simply a beardown "figurehead" to lead nan tour.

"He has a bully oculus for nan crippled and I deliberation he'll create this team," McBride added.

"He has had clip to look astatine what players he has and spot what type of crippled he wants to play.

"He has a bully coaching squad arsenic well. Along pinch nan skipper and nan remainder of nan coaches, he pulls it each together."