Lions team v AUNZ XV: Owen Farrell on the bench for Saturday’s tour match

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Owen Farrell, who was whistled into the touring party as a replacement for Elliot Daly, will get a chance to make a late bid for the Test 23 - Getty Images/Saeed Khan

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Owen Farrell has been named in the replacements for the Lions’ final warm-up game, against an AUNZ invitational XV.

The former England captain was only called into the squad seven days ago as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daly and after sitting out the wins against the NSW Waratahs and Brumbies is poised to make the first appearance of his fourth Lions tour.

It means that the 33-year-old is the only member of the touring party yet to start a match heading into the three-Test series against the Wallabies on 19 July, with Ben White getting his first run in the No 9 shirt.

Tadhg Beirne captains the side from the second row for the second time on the tour but aside from Farrell, who is on the bench alongside Marcus Smith, the most fascinating area of Andy Farrell’s selection is in the back row.

Jac Morgan gets an opportunity in the No 7 shirt, which is one of a handful of positions which feel up for grabs heading into the first Test in Brisbane. Morgan, the only Wales international in the touring party, plays either side of the English pair of Ben Earl who starts at No 8 and Henry Pollock, who enjoyed a lively cameo off the bench in the 36-24 victory against the Brumbies.

Full back Blair Kinghorn, who went off with a bang to his knee, is still awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of his injury. In his place, Hugo Keenan gets another shot in the No 15 shirt and lines up in the back three alongside Duhan van der Merwe and Mack Hansen.

After rolling out the Ireland centre pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose in Canberra, the Scottish duo of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones get their turn to state their case for Test selection.

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10:33 AM BST​

How the two sides line up for Saturday​

AUNZ starting XV: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Ngani Laumape, 12 David Havili (co-captain), 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Folau Fakatava, 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-captain), 5 Angus Blyth, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Pete Samu, 8 Hoskins Sotutu.

Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 George Dyer, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Jock Campbell.

Lions starting XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van Der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White, 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart, 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 6 Henry Pollock, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Ben Earl.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Owen Farrell.

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10:25 AM BST​

Your reaction​

• The Long Hard Road: “Probably the least dynamic second row combo yet.”
• David M A: “I’d have much more confidence in the England team presently out in Argentina - principally because they seem to be better drilled.”
• David Jones: “Marcus Smith is not a full back as seen on Wednesday where he was constantly in wrong position when in defence. He was always up front looking to attack like a good 10. Daly should have been replaced with a strong full back of which there are a few and definitely not with an out of form player who can’t get in his club’s first 15.”
• Bobby Moore: “Nice little 20-minute run-out for Owen on Saturday should put him spot on for the first test. Great to see him back to bring some control to what has been a very disjointed and disappointing back line so far on this tour. He will put the lads in the right positions on the field to take proper advantage of their forward superiority and get the intensity up in defence, we have been succeeding far too many points. Welcome back where you belong Owen Farrell.”
• James Peck: “That’s a pretty exciting back row. Pace and willingness to turn the ball over. Hope Farrell proves all those critics wrong with a strong 20 mins cameo.”
• Jeff Alexander: “Looks like a better team than yesterday.”

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10:20 AM BST​

‘He prepared unbelievably’: Inside Johnny Sexton’s life in business between coaching and playing​

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“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in,” Michael Corleone, Godfather pt III.

When Johnny Sexton retired from playing after the 2023 World Cup, the former Ireland fly-half thought he was walking away from rugby after yet another dose of heartbreak following a quarter-final defeat by New Zealand. The closing paragraph of his autobiography, Obsessed, concludes, “you make sense of it all by counting your many blessings and filling new distractions. And then you move on.”

Sexton’s next destination was to the Ardagh Group, a multinational packaging company. This was not an ambassadorial role where Sexton might be wheeled out for a few lunches, but as chief of staff for approximately 19,000 employees and an annual revenue of £3.6 billion. Rumour is that he was being groomed to eventually become chief executive there and according to Bernard Jackman, a close confidant, he was not only successful but fulfilled working in the corporate world. Sexton was still obsessed by rugby but had no plans to leave his well-remunerated role. Throughout his autobiography, he was clear that he had no desire to go down the coaching route.

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Johnny Sexton is part of Andy Farrell’s coaching staff - Robbie Stephenson/PA

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10:13 AM BST​

More from Andy Farrell on the breakdown​

“I do not think we are ill-disciplined at the breakdown. Sometimes it happens so quickly that people miss it. Everyone is human. We are just after trends and the feedback allows us to get on the same page as what they [the referees] see fit.”

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10:11 AM BST​

Andy Farrell’s message to the officials​

“My message is just referee the game!”

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10:09 AM BST​

Andy Farrell on the breakdown battle​

“We have quality breakdown people both sides of the ball within our squad. In regards to interpretation and the breakdown in general, has it been any different in Australia? We were lucky in the third Test in 2013 to get one of the best breakdown players ever [George Smith] to unfortunately for him and Australia leave the field through injury. We know the story keeps on building the more pressure there is there. It sharpens the mind, our focus into different games.

“The reality of the Wednesday game was a spill-over from the Waratahs game. The reality of that is they gave away six penalties at th breakdown for contesting illegally. We were able to score points off the back of that. We just need to keep sharpening our eye in our carry and cleaners, making sure we are not completely over-committing at the breakdown. We thunk we have solutions for that.”

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The first Test is just over a week away - William West/Getty Images

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10:03 AM BST​

The thoughts of Tadhg Beirne​

“It is a huge opportunity [Saturday]. Every game is a huge opportunity. This being the last game before the Tests it is our last opportunity to put our hand up and make Andy’s selection decisions for the Tests much more difficult. It is a huge honour to lead the side as there are an incredible number of leaders within this squad. People are not afraid to speak up and say what needs to be said. There is not as much of a burden on you therefore.

“It is a huge honour to lead this side out. I am lucky enough to play more than one position and I am very happy to play in the second or back row. If I am on the field that is the main thing. Six is a position I have not played much over the last couple of years but you have to just do your best to get up to speed. It is more natural for me to be more comfortable in the second row as that is where I play for Munster. My three sisters live over in Australia and there will be plenty of my family in Adelaide on Saturday.”

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Tadhg Beirne will captain the Lions on Saturday - William West/Getty Images

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09:57 AM BST​

Andy Farrell on Blair Kinghorn’s injury​

“He is not too bad and gone for the scan as we speak. He is the same as he always in, in good spirits. It is not as bad as what could have been. It was something innocuous really, just a rugby accident. Fingers crossed when we get back to the hotel we get some good news.”

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09:56 AM BST​

Andy on Owen​

“He is the same as everyone else who has had to get up to speed pretty quickly. Everyone had to at the start and a few have come in late. The art of this stage of the tour is mentally being as switched on as you possibly can for everyone because of the nature of the preparation. There is not much training you can do. He is lucky enough to play when he was very young and you need the stars to align to play in so many tours.”

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09:53 AM BST​

Andy Farrell speaking at the team announcement press conference​

“It is a three-match Test series that takes the whole squad to compete and keep competing throughout until the final whistle of the third Test. The message is from the meeting we have just had is that this is the most important game of the tour so far, it has to be, not just because it is a week out from the tour but because it is the next one and whenever you put a Lions jersey on that is the respect you have to live up to. We know their coaches and we know the players individually. A lot of the lads have played against them before but as a unit who they gel there is a bit of an unknown there. The reality though when you look at their side it is a formidable one that is going to be hard to stop.

“Knowing Less Kiss, Ian Foster etc the way they prepare will be very thorough and I am sure they will be preparing them not only to play good rugby but at the same time winning rugby.”

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09:48 AM BST​

Have your say​

What do you make of that 23? Who could make the first Test squad in just over a week? In the centres is it a simple question of does Andy Farrell go for an all-Irish or all-Scottish pairing? Could Hugo Keenan nail down the 15 spot for the Test series? What will be the make-up of the back-row for the Tests? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

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09:43 AM BST​

Full team news​

Munster Rugby and Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne captains the side for the second time on Tour as Maro Itoje is rested. Beirne lines up in the second row alongside countryman and Leinster Rugby’s James Ryan. The front row pairs Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby’s Pierre Schoeman with England duo Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart, of Sale Sharks and Bath Rugby respectively. Northampton Saints and England back row Henry Pollock is named on the blindside flank with Ospreys and Wales captain Jac Morgan at openside and Saracens and England’s Ben Earl at No.8.

Scotland and Toulon’s Ben White gets his first start on Tour and is partnered in the half-backs by England and Northampton’s Fin Smith. Scottish duo and Glasgow Warriors teammates Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones get another opportunity to impress in midfield. Leinster and Ireland’s Hugo Keenan is set to make his second appearance of the tour at full-back. Connacht Rugby and Ireland’s Mack Hansen and Edinburgh and Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe complete the back three.

Saracens and England’s Owen Farrell is named amongst the replacements and is set to make his 19th appearance for The British & Irish Lions.

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09:41 AM BST​

36 years ago​

The Lions took on an ANZAC XV on the 23 July 1989 in Ballymore, Brisbane, with the Lions running out 19-15 winners. The Anzac XV was supposed to be a Barbarian-style side combining large numbers of All Blacks and Wallabies but, in the end, the New Zealanders refused to fully support the concept. A total of 12 All Blacks dropped out of the squad.

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09:35 AM BST​

The thoughts of Lions head coach Andy Farrell​

“We are in a great position just over a week out from the First Test. 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.”

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09:32 AM BST​

Lions team to play AUNZ​

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #881
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
11. Duhan van Der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #841
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
9. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland) #883

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby/England) #877
4. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #864
17. Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #876
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
20. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #874
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855
23. Owen Farrell (Saracens/England) #780

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09:22 AM BST​

Focus for AUNZ​

The man leading the Lions’ opposition on Saturday, Les Kiss, has been speaking to the media ahead of the game about the importance of the framework for his side. Kiss has admitted that his side “cannot be too loose” and they will need to “be direct at times”. He has also said that there is “a lot at stake for a lot of players” and Saturday’s game represents “a chance to impress”.

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09:14 AM BST​

Action-packed day of rugby​

Saturdays during the summer tours are always busy and this coming one is now different. Here is what you have to look forward to this Saturday:

Fiji vs Scotland 4am

Japan vs Wales 6.50am*

New Zealand vs France 8.05am*

Invitational AU & NZ vs British and Irish Lions 11am*

South Africa vs Italy 4.10pm

Portugal vs Ireland 7pm

Argentina vs England 8.40pm*

*Telegraph Sport will be blogging all four of these games.

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09:08 AM BST​

Should the Lions head to France?​

Does Mike Phillips have a point? Would you like to see the Lions tour France? You can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

The Lions touring France would be a game-changer. Imagine the hype, packed stadiums, financial boost, and global buzz. A rugby powerhouse vs the iconic Lions—huge for the sport, fans, and growth. #LionsInFrance#Rugby

— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) July 9, 2025

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09:02 AM BST​

AUNZ team​

Starting XV: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Ngani Laumape, 12 David Havili (co-captain), 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Folau Fakatava, 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-captain), 5 Angus Blyth, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Pete Samu, 8 Hoskins Sotutu.

Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 George Dyer, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Jock Campbell.

In terms of star names, this is arguably the strongest side the Lions will face pre-Tests, thanks to the Wallabies whipping away any big Test players from the Super Rugby sides. Several All Blacks in there and the odd Wallaby, there is potential someone from that side does the unexpected. We say this because, well, three days prep to face the tourists doesn’t scream cohesion.
That back-row in particular has havoc written all over it. Like the Lions at the start of the tour, a lack of preparation will impact the cohesion of the AUNZ side. Their head coach Les Kiss has a few players in the 23 he knows well from the Reds, including Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth and Jock Campbell.

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08:55 AM BST​

What will team for first Test look like?​

This is how the Lions lined up yesterday for the Brumbies game:

Starting XV last time out for the Brumbies game: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 5 Joe McCarthy, 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18, Will Stuart, 19 Josh van der Flier, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Mack Hansen.

How close will this 23 be to the one for the first Test? How many changes would you make? Which players who were not involved yesterday would you bring into the matchday 23? Which players who will be involved on Saturday will play in the first Test? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

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08:49 AM BST​

Reaction to Brumbies victory form one of our own​

One more take from the Brumbies game is I don't know how important existing cohesion is when it comes to Finn Russell. The guy gels with players so quickly. Have seen him carve in a Barbarians game, looks comfortable with JGP and is conducting some lovely stuff with the Lions.

— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) July 9, 2025

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08:43 AM BST​

Questions, questions, questions​

Which we will have the answers to in the next hour. Here are a few questions posed by my colleague Alan Dymock, who you will have seen on our Rugby Podcast:

So what does Andy Farrell do with full-back Hugo Keenan on Saturday, if Blair Kinghorn is unavailable for the Tests? Does he play him for just enough time in Adelaide that he is comfortable, then whisk him off the pitch and wrap him up? Or does he play him right through and get him as many minutes of action as possible. The coach’s conundrum on a tour like this.

Marcus Smith replaced Kinghorn yesterday and, with his versatility to play 10 and 15, could that earn him a place in the Test 23? With Elliot Daly going home injured, Smith’s case to be in the matchday squad have been strengthened and could be further improved if Kinghorn is out for any period of time.

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08:36 AM BST​

“Not a festival game for us”​

Ian Foster was a long-time New Zealand assistant coach before taking the head coach gig between 2020 and 2023. He was replaced by current incumbent Scott Robertson. He is part of Les Kiss’ coaching team for the AUNZ team and has been speaking ahead of Saturday’s match:

“They [the Lions] have been well tested in their early games but I thought the Waratahs really climbed into them physically and turned that into a bit of gunfight. We know that if they can play on top of you and get the ball they want that they have got pretty good shape about how they go about things.

“They have some good existing combinations that they have had internationally. That is the challenge here for us, probably the strength of the combinations. We have got to acknowledge they are good at what they do, their set-piece is strong but it is not invincible.

“There are guys who have played against each other, but never really had a chat. Bit of bonding, bit going on, but they are getting into their work and getting used to something that should be pretty special.

“We can only do so much in a short time period. It is the guys just wanting to play for the guy next to them. Generating that sort of ANZAC feel about it, you know putting aside the rivalries and let’s do something together.

“It is not a festival game for us, it is one where we want to express ourselves, it is a real opportunity to play a pretty special team against the Lions and who knows, achieve something nice.”

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08:26 AM BST​

Announcement coming up​

Andy Farrell’s men have swapped Canberra for Adelaide and it is another quick turnaround. The Lions have just one more midweek game, in between the first and second Tests. Farrell is set to name his side for Saturday’s match at 9.30am. Will we see his son Owen make his first appearance of the tour on his fourth trip with the Lions? We are also set to get an update on Blair Kinghorn’s injury picked up in yesterday’s win over the Brumbies.

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08:23 AM BST​

Coming together​

Saturday’s game is the first time since 1989 that Australia and New Zealand have combined to play with each other. Former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan was the one who initially flagged the idea of a joint Australia-New Zealand team. Whilst initially New Zealand were a little lukewarm to the idea, Rugby New Zealand did then agree with no current squad members involved. New Zealand play France in the second Test of a three-match series in Wellington on Saturday. With the two nations being such huge rivals, and little incentive or opportunity to form a combined team, that explains why it has been so long since the two countries have come together.

Here is what Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said back in 2023:

“We need to think about how creative we can get in terms of creating content,” Waugh said. “We have three really good cities hosting the Lions Tests but Adelaide is a great venue as well, so how do you give Adelaide that opportunity.

“It is really good timing as well, it is a week out from the first Test and depending on how we time it with what the Wallabies preparation is, it would be a really good opportunity for some of the guys who may look like not playing in the Test match, to actually get a run against the Lions, similar to Australia A back in 2001.

“Then you add some international spice to it, to make it a really exciting game.

“I think the way the scheduling works, it won’t be players who are currently in the All Blacks because they have the French that weekend.

“But if you think about the profile of some of the current All Blacks who are playing today but may not be playing in 25, you could lure them back to play a game at Adelaide Oval in front of a full house against the Lions, it could be a really exciting opportunity, not only for them but also for rugby.

“So you just front-foot it and have conversations nice and early, and make sure it works for everyone. You make sure you have insurance cover and everything else for the players, and that it works for the clubs as well. We are cognisant of that and we want to make it a really strong team.

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Australia and New Zealand coming together - Robbie Stephenson/PA

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08:10 AM BST​

Co-captains​

Les Kiss has named his AUNZ Invitational side for Saturday’s game and has made Australia’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and New Zealand’s David Havili co-captains. Here is what Kiss has had to say:

“After speaking with all the players we thought the co-captaincy model with natural leaders like David and Lukhan would really suit this team and what we represent. This week has been building nicely and the boys have put a lot of time into getting to know each other.

“In forming new bonds many of them have discovered they have more in common than they originally thought. We have named an experienced, powerful starting side for Saturday and we know our bench will make an impact when they get their opportunity.”

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David Havili and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have been named co-captains - William West/Getty Images

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08:03 AM BST​

AUNZ name their side​

Your 23 to represent the AUNZ Invitational XV against The Lions

They'll be led by co-captains Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and David Havili #LionsTour2025pic.twitter.com/gwtC1FbWrz

— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) July 10, 2025

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07:55 AM BST​

Lions captain Maro Itoje speaking after the Brumbies match​

“I think it was a step forward. Obviously, we left a few tries out there. We probably wanted to be a bit more clinical. We invited a lot of pressure back on ourselves. We want to be a bit more ruthless in that regard.

“We are happy with the win. Rugby is a tough sport, so you take the wins when they come. We know there is loads more, we know we can be better. That is the exciting opportunity for us.

“We have got another tough game on Saturday then the real fun begins. We just need to get better, tighter, we will learn from our errors and move forward.”

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07:49 AM BST​

Have your say​

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07:41 AM BST​

Telegraph Rugby Podcast​

Go beyond the back pages and join the Telegraph’s rugby experts and big name guests as they tackle the game’s most interesting trends, themes and talking points. Our unrivalled rugby coverage, now available on the move! New episodes out after every Lions match during the series.

Follow the Rugby Podcast Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch it on YouTube here.

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07:31 AM BST​

Lions suffer another injury with Blair Kinghorn to go for knee scan​

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Full-back Blair Kinghorn will go for a scan on a knee on Thursday as the Lions suffered another injury scare in the 36-24 victory over the Brumbies.

The Scotland playmaker punched the ground in frustration after suffering a knock early in the game before being taken off in the 24th minute. Centre Bundee Aki and flanker Tom Curry also sustained bangs and were seen limping following the game.

Kinghorn’s potential absence would leave head coach Andy Farrell facing a major headache approaching the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19 in Brisbane.

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07:24 AM BST​

Lions tour schedule​

Friday 20th June: Lions 24-28 Argentina

Saturday 28th June: Western Force 7-54 Lions

Wednesday 2nd July: Reds 12-52 Lions

Saturday 5th July: Waratahs 10-21 Lions

Wednesday 9th July: Brumbies 24-36 Lions

Saturday 12th July: Invitational AU & NZ VS Lions

Saturday 19th July: Australia vs Lions (First Test)

Tuesday 22nd July: First Nations and Pasifika XV vs Lions

Saturday 26th July: Australia vs Lions (Second Test)

Saturday 2nd August: Australia vs Lions (Third Test)

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07:17 AM BST​

Get your fix​

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07:09 AM BST​

Lions player ratings v Brumbies​

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2. Dan Sheehan

Conceded an early penalty for obstruction yet into his work from there. A rampaging run showed his athleticism and the line-out was tidy bar one that Conan needed to mop up. 8/10
Test starter chances: Nailed on.

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07:04 AM BST​

‘Wallabies will not fear Lions as ‘Test side’ fail to impress in stuttering win’​

During one of the many, many stoppages in play, the big screen cut to Australia head coach Joe Schmidt, who had a wide grin on his face. It is unlikely that he would have stopped smiling after leaving the Gio Stadium in Canberra.

The Wallabies had flattered to deceive against Fiji in Newcastle last Sunday, but here, with Andy Farrell naming his strongest line-up yet, the British and Irish Lions also failed to deliver the kind of statement performance of the tour that their supporters had been waiting for.

This was a golden opportunity for the Lions to bare their teeth. While Farrell’s side were definitely more direct in their endeavour and enjoyed set-piece dominance, the night finished with several questions unanswered.

For this was another hotchpotch display by the tourists, mixing power and panache with unforgettably clunky moments, any sense of cohesion too often wasted by errors and indecision.

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06:56 AM BST​

Will Owen Farrell feature on Saturday?​

The next stop on the British and Irish Lions tour down under takes them to Adelaide to take on an Invitational AU & NZ side. The Lions head to Adelaide off the back of a 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra yesterday. Tries from Ollie Chessum, James Lowe, Marcus Smith, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier secured victory for the Lions but it was not the most convincing display. Reflecting on the win over the Brumbies, head coach Andy Farrell was happy with certain aspects of the game but knows there are areas to work on.

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What is the extent of Blair Kinghorn’s injury? - David Rogers/Getty Images

“It was the same as the other games, there was some good stuff, especially in the first half. There was some nice, flowing attacking play that was played at a good tempo. On the flip side, we kept them in the game. We dominated field position, but we kept them in with a sniff, especially when you get over the line three times and do not convert them. Congratulations to the Brumbies, they came out of the blocks and stayed in the fight until the last minute. We just need to do our job properly. We have to look after ourselves first and foremost. The learnings from today and the last game is what is at the forefront of our minds.”

Blair Kinghorn went off injured in the first half of the win over the Brumbies yesterday. The Lions have already lost Tomos Williams and Elliot Daly to tour-ending injuries and will be hoping Kinghorn does not suffer the same fate. Are we set to see Owen Farrell make his first appearance of the tour on Saturday? He arrived in Sydney last Friday to join up with the squad but is yet to feature, meaning he will a maximum of just one game on tour before the Test series begins.

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Will Owen Farrell play for the Lions on Saturday? - Saeed Khan/Getty Images

The Lions’ opponents this weekend are led by the Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss, who will become Joe Schmidt’s successor as Australia head coach next year. Kiss has already taken on the Lions during this tour in his role as head coach of the Queensland Reds, with Andy Farrell’s side running out comfortable 52-12 winners in Brisbane just over a week ago. Kiss is assisted by former New Zealand head coach Ian Foster, Western Force head coach Simon Cron and Zane Hilton from the Reds. The squad is jam-packed with Australian and New Zealand internationals, including Hoskins Sotutu, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Marika Koroibete, Pete Samu and Ngani Laumape. Kiss has spoken ahead of the game about the honour of Australia and New Zealand uniting to play together for the first time in a while.

“We spoke in-depth when we had the group together and what an honour it is. It is 36 years since this event’s happened before. It is rarefied air, it is unique. We are not going to take that for granted. We are all honoured to be able to put this jersey on. There is a little bit of that ANZAC spirit in there. We have got Kiwi songs, we have got Aussie songs in the team room. Just making the most of the opportunity to connect and do something special this week. We are not taking it for granted, that is for sure.”

Stay with us for the news from the Lions team announcement for Saturday’s game.

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