Owen Farrell Leads Lions For First Time Vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV
Owen Farrell Leads Lions For First Time Vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV
Owen Farrell captains the British & Irish Lions for the first time as they face a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne in a unique cultural clash.
Owen Farrell will captain the British and Irish Lions for the first time in his storied Lions career when they face a First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne on Tuesday, in a cultural celebration and crucial mid-tour clash.
The Saracens veteran earns his first start of the tour after a bench cameo against the AUNZ Invitational in Adelaide.
This marks Farrell’s fourth Lions tour, but notably his first time wearing the captain’s armband — a symbolic moment in a career laden with leadership but long absent the official Lions title.
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Farrell starts at inside center, partnering with Ireland’s Jamie Osborne in a back line that also features Scottish flair across the wings and fullback.
Blair Kinghorn returns from injury and will start in his preferred position at 15, flanked by Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe.
The match comes just days after the Lions’ 33-25 test win over Australia in Brisbane, but none of the starting XV from that match are involved in Tuesday’s lineup.
Coach Andy Farrell opts to rest key personnel, although test squad members Ben Earl, Marcus Smith and ever-present scrumhalf Alex Mitchell are on the bench.
Andy Farrell's selection also reflects strategic experimentation.
With Hugo Keenan's mixed form in the first test, Kinghorn may be playing for a starting shirt in the second. And if Owen Farrell impresses, he could nudge Marcus Smith for a spot on the bench this weekend.
The Lions pack sees Jamie George, another returning stalwart, start at hooker after joining from England duty.
Pierre Schoeman and Finlay Bealham complete the front row.
James Ryan and Scott Cummings form the second-row pairing that faced the Waratahs, while Jac Morgan shifts to blindside flanker for the first time on tour, joined in the back row by Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock.
Scotland dominates the 23-man squad with nine representatives, including geography call-ups who have reinforced the touring side.
Notably absent is Mack Hansen, still nursing an injury but targeting a return for the second test. Joe McCarthy remains doubtful with a foot injury.
Tuesday’s game is as much about culture as competition. It marks the first meeting of its kind, with the First Nations and Pasifika XV celebrating Indigenous and Pacific Islander heritage.
Wallabies centurion Kurtley Beale captains the side, 12 years after playing all three tests against the Lions in 2013. Beale, now 36, is relishing the occasion after recovering from a hamstring injury.
“We have an opportunity to represent our families and culture, which is really important to all of us,” Beale said. “To lead this side out against the Lions is a huge honor.”
The side includes six Indigenous players and several with Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and Cook Islands heritage.
Australia internationals Taniela Tupou and Filipo Daugunu add firepower after being released from test camp, bolstering a team coached by World Cup winner Toutai Kefu.
Kickoff at AAMI Park promises both a vibrant cultural display and a final chance for fringe Lions players to stake a test claim — in front of what is expected to be a raucous sea of red.
British & Irish Lions Roster
15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jac Morgan, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 James Ryan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Jamie George, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Tom Clarkson, 19 Gregor Brown, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Garry Ringrose
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