Team Announcement
The British and Irish Lions, coached by Andy Farrell, named their squad for the final warm-up match against the Australia/New Zealand Invitational XV on July 12, 2025, at Adelaide Oval (11:00 BST, live text on BBC Sport website and app). Owen Farrell, 33, is among the replacements alongside Marcus Smith, poised for his first appearance on his fourth Lions tour after replacing the injured Elliot Daly (fractured forearm). Tadhg Beirne captains from the second row, with Scotland’s Ben White starting at scrum-half and Hugo Keenan at full-back.
- Lions XV: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Fin Smith, Ben White; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne (c); Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Ben Earl.
- Replacements: Jamie George, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, George Cummings, Peter O’Mahony, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell.
- AUNZ XV: Corey Stevenson; Jordan Lam, Ngani Laumape, David Havili (co-c), Marika Koroibete; Tane Edmed, Finlay Fakatava; Tom Ross, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Lachlan Blyth, Sam Salakaia-Loto, Shannon Frizell, Pete Samu, Hoskins Sotutu.
Farrell’s Role
Farrell, who hasn’t played since a concussion in Racing 92’s European Challenge Cup semi-final loss on May 4, 2025, joined the Lions on July 5 after a brief Saracens return. His absence from the starting XV against the Waratahs (52-12) and Brumbies (36-24) makes him the only squad member yet to start. Andy Farrell said, “Owen’s experience (19 Lions games, 1,255 Test points) adds depth, but we’re giving Fin Smith (85% kicking accuracy) the reins at 10.” A substitute appearance could secure Farrell’s spot in the first Test against Australia on July 19, marking his return since England’s 2023 World Cup third-place win.
Key Selections
- Back Row: Jac Morgan, the sole Welsh player, starts at openside flanker, competing for a Test spot with Henry Pollock and Ben Earl (2.1 tackles per game). Morgan’s 1.8 turnovers per game in the Brumbies win make him a contender to face Australia’s Fraser McReight.
- Backline: Hugo Keenan starts at full-back, with Blair Kinghorn awaiting scan results for a knee injury. Scotland’s Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu aim to outshine Ireland’s Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose for Test centre roles, with Jones’ 1.9 metres per carry a threat.
- Scrum-Half: Ben White’s first start at No. 9 over Alex Mitchell signals Andy Farrell’s rotation, with White’s 88% pass accuracy key against Finlay Fakatava’s pace.
AUNZ XV Challenge
The AUNZ XV, reviving a 1989 concept, features Wallabies’ Marika Koroibete (63 caps, 1.8 metres per carry) and All Blacks’ Hoskins Sotutu, with Tane Edmed at fly-half post-Noah Lolesio’s injury. Coached by Scott Robertson, their 2.3 tries per game in Super Rugby test the Lions’ defense (1.2 tries conceded per tour game). Rain risks (48%) may favor the Lions’ set-piece (90% scrum retention), but Koroibete’s wing play challenges Keenan and Duhan van der Merwe.
What’s Next
Farrell’s likely cameo, his first since May, will be scrutinized for Test selection, with the Wallabies series starting in Brisbane. The Lions’ 6-2 bench split prioritizes forward power, but Farrell and Marcus Smith’s versatility (covering 10, 12, 15) could prove pivotal. Fans on X debate Farrell’s “clutch” value versus Fin Smith’s form, while Keenan’s fitness (50 minutes played) is crucial. The Test squad announcement on July 15 will clarify roles, with the Lions aiming for a statement win to honor Elliot Daly and Diogo Jota’s tributes. Sky Sports will broadcast the Tests, starting July 19.
