Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn and Ben White set for Lions debuts
Keenan was meant to start in Brisbane against the Queensland Reds on Wednesday but fell ill. Elliot Daly came in for him at the last minute but broke his arm and has gone home.
Keenan has recovered to wear the No15 jersey for the Waratahs match, with Kinghorn named on the left wing — his position for Toulouse. Kinghorn arrived from Paris, having won the Top14 final last Saturday.
Henry Pollock comes in to play No6 in a dynamic back-row alongside Ben Earl, at No8, and Josh van der Flier at openside flanker. Pollock has now started in all three back-row jerseys on this tour, proving his versatility.
Ben White, who was an injury replacement for Tomos Williams, who was sent home after tearing his hamstring against the Western Force, makes the bench for the first time. Andy Farrell, the head coach, has gone for a 6-2 split among the substitutes with Marcus Smith the only other back.
In the starting team Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith pair at half-back, with Scottish centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones at centre for the first time together. Mack Hansen completes the back-three with Kinghorn and Keenan.
In the forwards Pierre Schoeman lines up with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Finlay Bealham, with captain Beirne pairing at lock with James Ryan — who makes his first start.
'Congratulations to Tadhg who will lead the side on Saturday night — and also to Blair, Hugo and Ben who will all make their Lions debuts,' Farrell said. 'The games are coming thick and fast now as we face a Waratahs side who will want to make their mark.'
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