Andy Farrell has made history with his British and Irish Lions selection for Saturday's first Test against Australia in Brisbane, naming a side without a Welsh player for the first time since 1896.
The Lions head coach's controversial decision means Wales captain Jac Morgan misses out despite impressive tour performances, leaving him as the sole Welsh representative following Tomos Williams' hamstring injury last month.
In another historic first, Farrell has selected an all-Scottish midfield combination of Finn Russell at fly-half alongside centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.
The team features eight Irish starters, four from England and three Scots, with Tom Curry securing the openside flanker position ahead of Morgan in a back row completed by Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan.
Getty
|Tom Curry has been controversially selected ahead of Wales captain Jac Morgan
Farrell defended his selection at Thursday's press conference, revealing Morgan was "as close as you could imagine" to making the Test XV.
"You're actually gutted for players like that," Farrell said. "Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock as well, because they are playing good rugby and could well easily be in this side on Saturday."
The head coach explained his back-row selection reflected the balance needed for Test match rugby, saying: "Obviously we feel that's the right balance for the first Test."
JUST IN: Arsenal confirm £50million Noni Madueke signing from Premier League rivals Chelsea
Sky Sports
|Andy Farrell explained that the Welsh captain was 'as close as you could imagine' to making the squad
"The combination of Tadhg being the type of player that he is as far as his quality in the set-piece and his all-round ability either on the floor as a jackaller or a ball-playing No 6, which complements Jack Conan also.
"Tom Curry being the engine we all know you need in regards to Test match rugby."
When asked whether representing all four nations influenced selection, Farrell insisted this played no role in the decision-making process.
"Honestly, as far as selection goes, we can't get involved in that," Farrell said. "You take every individual as it is in terms of who deserves to be picked."
READ MORE: Manchester United legend claims fans have 's**t' on ex-player of season as he outlines top targets
The head coach acknowledged the team differed from his initial plans weeks ago but embraced the evolution.
"It would have been different but that is a great thing," he told reporters in Brisbane. "You have to stay open-minded and optimistic enough to do so."
Looking ahead to Saturday's clash, Farrell outlined his expectations for the side: "We want to see a performance that does everyone proud.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Conor McGregor's fiancee makes feelings clear on latest scandal in bizarre social media post
- Tennis star takes aim at Emma Raducanu after poor Wimbledon showing: 'Nowhere near Jack Draper'
- Oleksandr Usyk fires new warning to boxing world ahead of Daniel Dubois fight
Getty
|The British and Irish Lions face Australia on Saturday morning
"It's about being the best version of ourselves. It's making sure we concentrate on the performance and attack it straight from the get go."
The selection has sparked fierce criticism from supporters across social media platforms, with Morgan's omission proving particularly contentious.
"No Morgan?! What more could he have done?" one fan posted, while another wrote: "Not even on the bench—this is a joke!"
"Morgan's in the form of his life and Farrell literally said 'he can play wherever he wants' then doesn't pick him!" a supporter commented.
"How does Curry get in off the back of this tour? Shocking," another fan wrote.
"Absolutely disgraceful. Morgan's been the best back row all tour," concluded a fifth frustrated supporter.