With those who joined up late thanks to domestic play-off involvement, with the exception of replacement hooker Ronan Kelleher, not selected for this first game, Farrell has named a fresh side with some new combinations.

Of the 23 selected, 14 will be representing the Lions for the first time.

His second row partnership, however, were both on the tour to South Africa four years ago while Itoje was also a 2017 tourist in New Zealand.

Although Beirne was primarily a blind-side flanker in South Africa, the pair were both on the field for the conclusion of the second and third Tests.

Room-mates on that tour and in the early part of this one, it is clear that a mutual admiration has developed.

“We spent a bit of time together in the last tour and built a good relationship and it’s been amazing that we’ve been able to continue on this tour,” said Itoje.

“He’s a fantastic player, that’s clear for everyone to see. His ball skills, the way he moves the ball and controls it, and he has that level of physicality to his game which is really impressive.”

In the years since that tour together to South Africa, Itoje and Beirne have been in frequent opposition, whether with England and Ireland or Saracens and Munster.

Beirne has enjoyed joining forces in one area in particular where the pair are used to going head-to-head.

“We’ve been bouncing ideas off each other for the line-out and stuff with JD [forwards coach John Dalziel],” he said.

“So far the relationship’s been really good and really enjoyable.”