TOP HOGG ... Stuart was all smiles as he and mascot arrived in Australia

STUART HOGG’S dream of starting against Australia has moved a step closer after it emerged Rob Kearney’s Lions tour could be OVER.

Warren Gatland’s first choice full-back is sidelined with a torn hamstring.

The Irishman could now be forced to return home for treatment.

That would make it a straight fight between Scot Hogg and Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny for the No15 jersey.

Lions head coach Gatland revealed: “Rob is a bit of a concern for us right now.

“We might have to look at a replacement because he has suffered a grade one tear. We are monitoring the situation and his injury closely.”

Kearney will play no part against Western Force tomorrow and is a major doubt for Saturday’s clash against Queensland Reds.

Halfpenny will replace Hogg at full-back against Force with Irish centre Brian O’Driscoll skippering the side in the continued absence of Tour skipper Sam Warburton.

Gatland’s woes are nothing compared to the mounting problems facing Australia.

The Wallabies are in the midst of a full blown injury crisis just three weeks from the first Test in Brisbane.

Head coach Robbie Deans said: “You’ve just got to roll with your circumstances and make the most of it.”

Meanwhile, Gatland named an entirely new team from the one which thumped the Barbarians in Hong Kong for tomorrow’s clash against the Force. England star Manu Tuilagi, Ireland duo Rory Best and Sean O’Brien, England’s Dan Cole and Wales lock Ian Evans all make their Lions debut — but there are NO Scots in the starting side.

Gatland said: “There were a lot of positives to come out of the first match in Hong Kong.

“Our fitness and application were excellent and we operated well in set pieces.

“That said, we were a bit rusty and there is definitely room for improvement. There was no priority in looking at the two games. We picked a team on Saturday that looked good on paper and so it proved with the result.

“We’ve gone for another team that looks good on paper.”

Gatland is desperate to lead Lions to a first series win since 1997.

He said: “It’s massive, 16 years is a helluva long time.

“It’s vitally important that this series is a success.

“We need to put some pride and some respect back into the jersey. That’s what we’re here to do.”

TOP HOGG ... Stuart was all smiles as he and mascot arrived in Australia