Andy Farrell has selected his son Owen to lead the British & Irish Lions in their final midweek game against a First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday. Farrell will captain a team featuring eight players who were not part of the original touring squad, as the coaching staff aim to rest most of their main lineup ahead of Saturday’s second Test against Australia.
This will be Farrell’s 20th appearance in a Lions jersey, with his experience across four tours earning him the captaincy over fellow Englishman and recent squad addition Jamie George. Farrell will play at inside centre in a lineup that includes the returning Blair Kinghorn at full-back and newcomers Jamie Osborne and Darcy Graham at centre and wing.
Several late arrivals have been named on the bench, raising further discussion about whether calling up replacements based on location diminishes the prestige of representing the Lions. Scotland’s Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, and Gregor Brown are among those included after being called from New Zealand, where Scotland recently played.
Leinster and Ireland’s Thomas Clarkson is another new addition, while Garry Ringrose returns to the bench after missing the first Test due to delayed concussion symptoms. "This match provides another chance for players to make their case for selection in the remaining Tests," said Andy Farrell, whose team won the opening Test 27-19 in Brisbane.
"The coaches are open-minded about selection, given how many players are performing well and pushing for spots. This team understands the level of performance needed against a talented and physical First Nations and Pasifika side."
Kurtley Beale, 36, will captain the First Nations & Pasifika XV, featuring Taniela Tupou and Filipo Daugunu, both released from Australia’s squad for this fixture. However, former Wallaby Pete Samu will not play, as he did not meet the requirement that all players must have participated in this season’s Super Rugby competition.
First Nations & Pasifika coach Toutai Kefu remains confident his side will be competitive. "The team has a good balance of youth, experience, and cultural diversity," he said. "The Lions have been impressive on tour, but we’re not here just to participate. We aim to win and create history."
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