Australia fly-half Noah Lolesio ruled out of Lions Test series after neck surgery

• Loss of first-choice playmaker huge blow to home hopes

• Donaldson and Lynagh main candidates for spot

Australia have suffered a significant setback following confirmation that their first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio will miss the entire Lions series through injury. Lolesio has undergone surgery on his neck and Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt will now have to select a different playmaker and goalkicker for next week's first Test in Brisbane.

The two main candidates are Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh but Lolesio has started 12 of the last 14 Wallaby Tests under Schmidt and his absence will be keenly felt. Other possible alternatives include the veterans James O'Connor and Bernard Foley, both of whom are 35 and have been plying their trade in New Zealand and Japan respectively.