Pollock out as British and Irish Lions face Waratahs in Sydney
Date: 10:15 BST
Title: 'Why would you not pick Owen Farrell?'
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
Danny CareFormer England scrum-half on BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast
Why would you not pick Owen Farrell?
Whatever position he is going to play, whatever role he's going to play in that squad, they are only a better squad for having him there.
Care has seen first hand how Farrell sets standards both on and off the pitch.
If Owen turns up and delivers standards and delivers a better performance from the Lions, and overall and you see a more connected team, then you have to go 'what a masterclass and a masterstroke from the coaches'.
Whatever team Owen is in he makes them better. I have no doubt in whatever shape he is, he will slot in absolutely fine.
I hope he hits the ground running, and everyone just gets on with it.
Update:
Date: 10:12 BST
Title: Faz linking up with Faz
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
Before we get into previewing the game, a huge Lions story broke on Thursday.
No, it was not the announcement I am backing up my Wednesday live text against Queensland Reds.
Owen Farrell has been called up by his father and Lions head coach Andy to replace Elliot Daly, who was ruled out of the tour after fracturing his arm against the Reds.
Farrell's inclusion comes after a difficult season at Racing 92, where he struggled for form and fitness.
With no international rugby in nearly two years, will the returning Saracens fly-half thrive in Australia?
Update:
Date: 10:09 BST
Title: Post
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
Not risking Henry Pollock because he is in Andy Farrell's Test 23? Hard to say due to the quality in the back row.
They know what the 20-year-old can do at this stage.
Update:
Date: 10:07 BST
Title: Pollock withdrawal 'nothing too serious' - Farrell
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
British and Irish Lions
Lions head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to Sky Sports: "Yes, he's got a slight problem with his calf - nothing too serious.
"Knowing what we know, we thought it wasn't right to risk him so we reshuffle."
Update:
Date: 10:05 BST
Title: Referee Paul Williams
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
New Zealand's Paul Williams is in charge for this one.
Update:
Date: 10:01 BST
Title: Team news - Lions
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
Two new Lions start in Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn.
However we said that on Wednesday about Keenan and he withdrew through illness, so I don't want to jinx him....
Ireland's Tadhg Beirne will captain the side, with James Ryan making his first start on tour.
Watch out for the Scotland centre pairing of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu, when on form those two are on fire together.
Another new Lion is waiting on the bench in Scotland scrum-half Ben White.
Replacements: Sheehan, Genge, Furlong, McCarthy, Morgan, White, M Smith, Van der Merwe.
Update:
Date: 09:58 BST
Title: Pollock out
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
Some early news, Lions flanker Henry Pollock has withdrawn from the game because of a tight calf.
Don't panic as the Lions have said it is 'precautionary'.
Tadhg Beirne moves to six, Scott Cummings now starts in the second row and Duhan van der Merwe comes onto the bench.
A shame as Pollock has been box office.
Update:
Date: 09:56 BST
Title: Lions, Lions, Lions
Content: NSW Waratahs v Lions (11:00 BST)
The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour is heating up nicely as the Lions play their third game on Australian soil.
Andy Farrell's side are in Sydney to face New South Wales Waratahs.
Two convincing wins over Western Force and Queensland Reds saw plenty of players push for Test spots.
More of the same in Sydney?
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