British & Irish Lions tour manager Andy Irvine has backed Warren Gatland's call to protect his Test side for Saturday by picking a makeshift side to face the Brumbies in Canberra tonight.

Digby Ioane has given the Qantas Wallabies a major boost ahead of the three-match series with the British & Irish Lions after he declared himself fit to feature in the first Test.

Shane Williams will become the oldest back to play for the British & Irish Lions when he makes his 15th appearance in the famous jersey after answering an emergency SOS from former Wales team mate Rob Howley.