Owen Farrell captains Lions against First Nations XV

Owen Farrell will make his first start of the tour in the British and Irish Lions' final midweek game against a First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday.

Owen Farrell leads British and Irish Lions against First Nations and Pasifika XV

Owen Farrell is set to captain the British and Irish Lions in their upcoming match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV. This game, occurring on Tuesday, marks his first start of the tour. Various players have made their way into the lineup, including hooker Jamie George, pulled from England's camp, and full-back Blair Kinghorn, returning from injury. The wings will be occupied by Scottish players Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe. The half-back pairing of Fin Smith and Ben White will reprise their roles after a strong performance against Australia. Attention focuses on players fighting for spots in the starting lineup for Saturday’s Test, like Kinghorn and Garry Ringrose, as they aim to impress coach Andy Farrell.

This match presents a unique opportunity for lesser-known players to shine amidst a backdrop of cultural celebration. It highlights the deep connections between rugby and community, with the First Nations and Pasifika team representing diverse backgrounds rarely seen in this competitive space. The strategic decisions made by Farrell may shape the Lions' future matches. As the main players rest, this midweek game could uncover hidden talents, reminding fans that even in less pivotal matches, rugby's spirit of resilience and unity prevails.

Highlights

The outcome of this match could influence key decisions ahead of critical games.