Farrell on the bench for Lions against Australia-New Zealand
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
© 2025 AFP
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