Owen Farrell Leads Lions in Final Midweek Clash

Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell Names Owen Farrell as Captain for Midweek Match

Lions head coach Andy Farrell has announced the starting lineup for the team’s midweek game against the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne. The match is scheduled to kick off at 11am Irish time and will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Owen Farrell has been named as the captain for this fixture, marking another significant moment in his career with the British and Irish Lions.

Farrell has made several changes to the squad compared to the first Test against Australia, with a number of key players returning from injury. Blair Kinghorn is set to make his return to the starting line-up after recovering from a knee injury, taking up the number 15 jersey. Garry Ringrose, who had been sidelined due to concussion, is included on the bench, offering additional depth to the selection.

However, not all players are available for the match. Mack Hansen, who has been dealing with a foot injury, will not be part of the squad. His absence means that the coaching staff must rely on other options to fill his role.

The starting XV for the match features a completely different set of players compared to the first Test. Three players from the previous match remain on the bench, including Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, and Marcus Smith. This provides flexibility for Farrell as he looks to build momentum ahead of the second Wallabies Test.

New Faces in the Squad

Two new faces have been given the opportunity to shine in this match. Jamie Osborne, an Irish outside centre, and Thomas Clarkson, a tighthead prop, will make their Lions debuts. Both players joined the squad last week and have shown promise during training sessions.

Kinghorn will form part of an all-Scottish back three alongside Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham. Meanwhile, Jamie Osborne will partner with Owen Farrell in midfield, adding a fresh dynamic to the team’s attacking play.

In the halfbacks, Ben White from Scotland will be partnered with Fin Smith. On the front row, Ireland’s Finlay Bealham will join Jamie George and Pierre Schoeman, providing a strong foundation for the team.

Strong Second Row and Back Row Options

The second row sees Scott Cummings and James Ryan combining forces, while the back row includes Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, and Henry Pollock. These players are looking to make a strong case for inclusion in the second Test.

Gregor Brown, a Scottish lock, has only recently joined the squad in Melbourne and has been named among the replacements. He joins three other late call-ups: Tom Clarkson, Ewan Ashman, and Rory Sutherland. This adds further depth to the bench and ensures that the team remains well-prepared for the challenges ahead.