Owen Farrell to captain Lions against Beale's Pasifika
The tourists have won all six games in Australia so far, including a polished 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first Test at Brisbane on Saturday.
But with the second Test at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, coach Andy Farrell is not risking any injuries to his first-choice stars.
None of the Brisbane starting side are in the matchday 23 for the clash at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium on Tuesday against an untested team spearheaded by Wallabies great Kurtley Beale.
That has opened the door to a host of players looking to make a late case to play a part in the second Test, including former England captain Farrell.
He came off the bench for a solid cameo against a combined Australia-New Zealand side after his surprise call-up to replace the injured Elliot Daly.
The 33-year-old now gets the chance to start and impress his father, head coach Andy Farrell, enough to earn a bench spot for the second Test in what will be his 20th Lions appearance.
"This fixture gives players another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two Tests," said Andy Farrell.
"The coaches' minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places and we want that to continue for the remaining two Tests.
"This group know the level of performance that we will require against a First Nations Pasifika team that is packed with talent and power."
Farrell will partner Ireland's Jamie Osborne in the centre, with Scotland's Ben White at scrum-half and England's Fin Smith the playmaker at 10.
Fullback Blair Kinghorn returns from injury and forms an all-Scotland back three alongside Darcy Graham and Duhan van Der Merwe.
Up front, 102-Test veteran hooker George, who was called up last week as cover for the concussed Luke Cowan-Dickie, will pack down with Scotland's Pierre Schoeman and Irishman Finlay Bealham.
Ireland's James Ryan is partnered in the second row by Scot Scott Cummings while in the back, Wales captain Jac Morgan lines up alongside Ireland's Josh van der Flier and England's Henry Pollock.
British Lions XV (15-1):
Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Jamie Osborne, Owen Farrell (capt), Duhan van Der Merwe; Fin Smith, Ben White; Henry Pollock, Josh van der Flier, Jac Morgan; Scott Cummins, James Ryan; Finlay Bealham, Jamie George, Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Tom Clarkson, Gregor Brown, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Garry Ringrose
mp/dh
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Where to watch West Indies vs. Australia free live stream, TV channel, start time for 3rd T20 match
After whitewashing West Indies in the Test series, Australia will look to clinch the T20I series as well when they take on the home team in the 3rd T20I on Friday. Shai Hope's West Indies are on the verge of getting another whitewash but this time in the T20I leg of the series. They were brutally thrashed by 8 wickets by Aussies in the second match of the five-match series. West Indies posted 172 for 8 in their first innings, credit goes to Brandon King's 51 but their poor fielding mishaps couldn't stop Australia from winning. A win in the next match would keep themselves alive in the series. Josh Inglis, the hero from the Sabina Park, was awarded the Player of the Match for his blistering unbeaten 78-run knock; giving Australia an edge to lead the series 2-0. Apart from Inglis, Cameron Green also scored a quickfire fifty, his second in the ongoing series so far. Australia are currently leading the five-match series 2-0 and they are going well to achieve another clean sweep in the ongoing tour. The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news. West Indies vs. Australia 3rd T20I live stream, TV channel in the US Here's how to watch this T20I match in the United States: TV Channel: Willow TV Live Stream:Fubo (U.S.) Fans in the United States will be able to watch this game live exclusively on Willow TV. Willow Sports is a cable TV channel, but if it's not included in your current package or you've cut the cord, it's available on Fubo US. Fubo offers Willow TV as part of its expanded sports offering. In addition to live matches, you can also watch replays and highlights on demand at any time from any device. Fubo US offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.) fubo What time does West Indies vs. Australia 3rd T20I start in the US? This T20I match takes place at the Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts, and starts off on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. local time (AST), which translates to 7:00 p.m. (ET) in the US. West Indies vs. Australia 3rd T20I predicted XIs, team news Apart from Brandon King and Andre Russell, no other batter stood up for the team when required. Brandon King scored his 12th fifty of his T20I career, whereas Dre Russ lit up the stadium with a quickfire score on his farewell match. With Russell retiring from international cricket, Darren Sammy would be itching to bring a new face to the playing XI for the next match, and it won't be better than Romario Shepherd. The muscle man already proved his batting prowess in the Indian Premier League this season; his handy contributions from the bowling are what make him stand out from others. Meanwhile, Matthew Forde is another all-rounder in the squad waiting for his turn; if not Shepherd in the third match, then Sammy can opt for Forde as Russell's replacement. Last match half-centurion Roston Chase and other power hitters, including Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer, failed to perform at Sabina Park. They would be licking their wounds to get their form back and contribute to the West Indies' success in the next match. Jewel Andrew, who is waiting to get his debut cap in this format, might replace Sherfane Rutherford in the upcoming match, with the latter one failing to perform in both matches. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie were the two spinners in the team in the second match, and they are well settled with their performance in the team. The 23-year-old medium pacer Jediah Blades is still warming the bench, waiting for his turn in the series. On the pace bowling front, Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph have led the line in the first two matches, but the addition of another pace bowling all-rounder will ease their work. West Indies predicted XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c/wk), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd. Australia, on the other hand, has been dominating the hosts in the T20I leg as well. They achieved two stunning victories in the first two matches and would aim to seal the series when they take the field at Warner Park. The last match heroes, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, made their stunning half-centuries to take Australia 2-0. Green, who has been consistently piling up some good runs after getting his slot fixed at number four, will be a key man for the team in the third match. Australia experimented a bit in their batting, giving Glenn Maxwell an opener role to try out a fresh combination with the skipper, Mitchell Marsh. Australia made two changes to their playing XI in the last match: Tim David, who missed the first match, stepped in for out-of-form Jake Fraser-McGurk, and debutant Matthew Kuhnemann replaced Sean Abbott. Matthew Short will continue to recover from his injury. Kuhnemann, who made his T20I debut in the last match, bowled three overs in the powerplay, giving Australia a promise in the spin department, keeping the upcoming T20 World Cup in mind. With star pace-bowling trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood rested from the T20 series, young speedster Ben Dwarshuis and spinner Kuhnemann lead the bowling. Nathan Ellis, who has been at his best in the death overs, continued to be in the playing XI. Australia predicted XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Tim David, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshius, Cooper Connolly, Adam Zampa. Australia tour of West Indies 2025 schedule All times EST T20I Matches First T20I: Australia won by 3 wickets Second T20I: Australia won by 8 wickets Third T20I: July 25, Werner Park, Ballpark in Nebraska, 7:00 p.m. Fourth T20I: July 26, Werner Park, Ballpark in Nebraska, 7:00 p.m. Fifth T20I: July 28,Werner Park, Ballpark in Nebraska, 7:00 p.m.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lions eye series victory against Australia- talking points ahead of second Test
The British and Irish Lions are aiming to complete their first series victory since 2013 when they clash with Australia in the second Test. Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into their collision at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Lions move in for the kill A flawless record of seven wins since arriving Down Under has placed the Lions on the brink of an achievement that has only been managed twice before in the professional era. Successful Lions tours are the exception, not the rule, but they are overwhelming favourites to crush Australia for the second time. The persistent rain forecast to fall throughout Saturday could be a leveller, but on the strength of a one-sided first Test, Andy Farrell's men should be comfortable winners. Do or die for Australia The Wallabies are not just playing to keep the series alive, but also their credibility as a tour destination for the elite of British and Irish rugby. These are difficult times for Australian rugby and even though their precarious finances have been shored up by the Lions' visit, problems abound on and off the field. It is imperative that they take the series to a decider by rising to the occasion in Melbourne. If they lose again, calls for the Lions to instead turn their attention to the mouth-watering prospect of a tour to France will only grow louder. Down but not out For all their difficulties, Joe Schmidt's men are not without hope for their shot at levelling the series. They scored more points in the second-half at Suncorp Stadium where, unexpectedly, their bench made the greater impact. Reinforcing their assault on the Lions are the return of powerful forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, whose very presence after missing the first Test because of calf injuries should prevent their pack being bullied again. Valetini's ball carrying at the blindside flanker is a particularly important weapon. Comeback king One of the most fascinating stories of the tour took another twist when Owen Farrell was named on the bench for the MCG clash. If he comes on, the former England captain will be making his first Test appearance in almost two years. Even after two quietly encouraging performances on tour, including a full 80 minutes on Tuesday when he proved his fitness following a season of injury setbacks, the involvement of Andy Farrell's son as a late call-up divides opinion, but so far his presence has only benefitted the squad. Stage set for Russell Much of the spotlight this week has fallen on Owen Farrell, allowing the Lions' real star to glide into the second Test relatively unnoticed. In Brisbane, Finn Russell was mesmerising at times during a first half when his passing repeatedly unlocked Australia's defence. Aided by a dominant pack and the generalship of scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park, the 32-year-old is functioning at the peak of his powers and has another opportunity to prove that on current form, he is the game's standout fly-half.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Harry Wilson vows Wallabies will bounce back in second Test
Harry Wilson insists Australia are determined to show their true selves when they attempt to take their series against the British and Irish Lions to a decider in Sydney. The Wallabies were overpowered 27-19 in the first Test but have been reinforced for Saturday's rematch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by the return from injury of imposing forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton. Wilson, Australia's captain and number eight, believes his team will grow stronger having faced the Lions once already. 'There's no denying it, we've got to go out there and win. We've got to win the next two to win the series,' Wilson said. 'It feels as if we probably didn't play the sort of footy we wanted to in the first Test and didn't fire as many shots as we would have liked. 'We didn't start too well, but in the second-half, once we got a bit of possession and territory and started playing our sort of footy, we took a lot of confidence from that. 'I'd say there's pressure on both teams. They want to wrap up the series and we want to keep the series alive. There's no doubting there's a lot on the line for both teams. 'We want to impose ourselves physically. We want to back our skills and we want to go out there and start fast 'For a lot of us, it was our first time ever playing the British and Irish Lions and there was a lot of unknown, whereas this week we know what's coming.' Australia have paid close attention to the First Nations and Pasifika XV's success against the Lions on Tuesday. While the invitational side, made up of players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage, ultimately lost 24-19, their physicality rattled Andy Farrell's tourists. 'A lot of us were there watching and just seeing the way Pasifika went after them, the line speed, the big hits in defence, it was a great blueprint for how to try and physically dominate them,' Wilson said.
