The British and Irish Lions are preparing for an exciting match against a specially selected First Nations and Pasifika XV, which will take place at the iconic Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Tuesday, July 22, kicking off at 11:00 BST. This match marks an important occasion as Owen Farrell, a key player who has participated in four previous tours, will serve as the captain of the Lions. Farrell’s leadership experience is expected to be a crucial asset to the team.
Farrell’s inclusion in the starting lineup represents a significant moment for him, as it will mark his first start during the tour after making an appearance as a substitute in the game against the AUNZ Invitational in Adelaide. In this particular match, he is set to play at inside centre, partnering with Jamie Osborne from Ireland. Notably, Farrell’s selection comes from a team that excludes all players who participated in the Lions’ first-Test victory over Australia.
Adding depth to the Lions’ squad, three Test players from Brisbane, namely Ben Earl, Marcus Smith, and Alex Mitchell, will be available from the bench. Mitchell, in particular, has seen consistent action throughout the tour, participating in every match, even contributing to the warm-up against Argentina in Dublin. Furthermore, the Lions’ lineup is notably diverse, featuring nine Scots in the 23-man squad, showcasing the geographical inclusivity of the team composition.
In terms of team dynamics, Jamie George, a prominent figure from the 2017 tour to New Zealand, returns to the lineup as the starting hooker, following a call-up from the England camp in Argentina. Blair Kinghorn, who has recently recovered from injury, has reclaimed his spot at full-back, raising hopes for a strong performance in his favored position. The wing positions are occupied by a pair of Scottish talents: Darcy Graham and the impressive Duhan van der Merwe.
The half-back combination for the Lions will feature Fin Smith and Ben White, who displayed great synergy in their recent performance against the AUNZ side. In the front row, Pierre Schoeman and Finlay Bealham will support Jamie George, while James Ryan and Scott Cummings will work together to reinforce the second row, having previously built rapport in their earlier matches, particularly against the Waratahs in Australia.
The back row will see Jac Morgan starting at blindside for the first time on tour, with Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock rounding out that section. On the bench, players including Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Tom Clarkson, and Gregor Brown, who received a last-minute call-up, represent a mix of experience and new talent. Notably, Mack Hansen’s absence from the lineup is due to ongoing injury concerns, illuminating the challenges of team selection as the coach seeks to safeguard primary players ahead of the important upcoming second Test.
While the significance of this match might seem diminished, with several players not being primary candidates for the second Test, there are still various performance-related elements worth noting. Kinghorn’s role could be pivotal in determining a starting spot for subsequent matches, especially in light of concerns regarding Hugo Keenan’s performance in the last Test. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the possibility of Farrell securing a bench position through a standout performance, potentially at the detriment of Marcus Smith.
The leadership on the opposing side will be provided by veteran Kurtley Beale, who will captain the First Nations and Pasifika XV. This team is unique, featuring six indigenous players, and aims to honor the cultural heritage of First Nations, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and Cook Islands communities. Among the players participating, Tonga-native Taniela Tupou and Fiji-born Filipo Daugunu are noteworthy, having been released from the Australia camp to play under the guidance of esteemed coach Toutai Kefu, who famously contributed to Australia’s victorious 1999 World Cup campaign.
In summary, the match promises to deliver excitement, serves as a cultural celebration, and represents an opportunity for both teams to showcase their strengths, test their strategies, and honor their respective heritages in the realm of rugby. The alignment of traditional elements alongside competitive sport sets the stage for a captivating encounter.
