Owen Farrell has been handed the Lions captaincy for one night only in Melbourne tomorrow (Tuesday) for the tourists’ clash with a First Nations & Pasifika XV. Farrell, a late arrival on tour as a replacement for Elliot Daly, starts at inside centre on the back of half an hour in Australia so far, off the bench against the AUNZ XV in Adelaide 10 days ago.
The former England skipper could still force his way into contention for a spot in the matchday 23 for the second Test against Australia on Saturday. Blair Kinghorn, another contender for the weekend, has recovered from a knee injury and starts at full-back, whilst Ireland centre Garry Ringrose is back from concussion to sit on the bench.
Farrell will link up with Ireland’s Jamie Osborne, on his first tour appearance in midfield with England’s Fin Smith at 10 and Scotland’s Ben White at scrum-half.
Boss Andy Farrell has changed his entire starting XV from the 27-19 first Test win over the Wallabies with Jamie George, another late arrival, in at hooker with props Pierre Schoeman and Finlay Bealham either side of him.
Wales’ Jac Morgan starts at blindside flanker with Josh van der Flier at seven and England’s Henry Pollock at No.8. Scotland provide both wingers with Darcy Graham making his tour bow paired with Duhan van der Merwe.
Ben Earl, Marcus Smith and Alex Mitchell, who all came off the bench in Brisbane last Saturday, have to do it again from the replacements.
Head coach Farrell has kept the door open for players to force their way into the Test team this weekend and next, in Sydney, if they put in a performance in the Lions last non-international game of the tour.
He said: “The coaches’ minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players pushing for places and we want that to continue for the two remaining Tests. This fixture gives players another chance to put their hands up for selection.”
Front rowers Evan Ashman, Rory Sutherland and Tom Clarkson plus lock Gregor Brown are also on the bench in what could be their only tour appearances after late call-ups.
First Nations & Pasifika v Lions, 11am, Tuesday, Sky Sports
British & Irish Lions: Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Jamie Osborne, Owen Farrell (capt), Duhan van der Merwe; Fin Smith, Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, Jamie George, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Scott Cummings, Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Tom Clarkson, Gregor Brown, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Garry Ringrose