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Farrell on the bench for Lions against Australia-New Zealand / Photo: Saeed KHAN - AFP
Farrell on the bench for Lions against Australia-New Zealand
Owen Farrell was named Thursday on the bench for the British and Irish Lions side to face a combined Australia-New Zealand team in Adelaide.
The former England captain is set to end a period in the international wilderness as the Lions continue their nine-game tour with their fifth and final warm-up on Saturday.
Farrell made the dash to Australia last week after his father, Lions coach Andy Farrell, summoned him as cover when utility back Elliot Daly broke his arm.
The 33-year-old, on his fourth Lions tour, earned the last of his 112 Test caps at the 2023 World Cup, and is coming off an underwhelming and injury-plagued season with French club Racing 92.
The Lions are unbeaten in four matches in Australia after wins over four Super Rugby sides, including 36-24 against ACT Brumbies on Wednesday in Canberra.
But they endured a sloppy performance against the Brumbies, with notable issues around the breakdown.
- Numerous changes -
The Lions have made numerous changes with Tadhg Beirne to take the captaincy reins, while young star Henry Pollock returns.
Scrum-half Ben White will make his first start for the Lions.
The Australia-New Zealand side, the first time the powerhouses have joined forces since 1989, will be led jointly by David Havili and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Coach Les Kiss picked 17 internationals in his matchday 23 for Saturday's final warm-up game for the Lions before they face Australia in the opening Test on July 19 in Brisbane.
"We are in a great position just over a week out from the first Test," coach Farrell said.
"The players now have another chance to put in a strong team performance and put a hand up for selection for the Test matches against the Wallabies.
"Les Kiss has assembled a strong squad with lots of international experience and we know that he will have them well organised and they will bring a lot of physicality to the contest.”
British Lions XV (15-1):Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van Der Merwe; Fin Smith, Ben White; Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock; Tadhg Beirne (capt), James Ryan; Will Stuart, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Finlay Bealham, Scott Cummings, Josh van der Flier, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell
O.Lessard--SMC
