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Owen Farrell to captain Lions against First Nations & Pasifika XV
By Ian Cameron reporting from Melbourne
Owen Farrell will captain the British & Irish Lions for the clash with the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Tuesday, marking the Saracens and England stalwart’s 20th appearance in red.
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It is the first time that the former England star will captain the touring side.
Farrell starts at inside centre and will combine in midfield with Ireland’s Jamie Osborne. The 33-year-old leads a side featuring 12 different clubs and all four nations, with eight Scots named in the matchday 23.
The half-back pairing sees Scotland’s Ben White, now of Toulon, link up with England’s Fin Smith. Farrell’s inclusion at 12 offers Smith an extra layer kicking and playmaking support.
At fullback, Blair Kinghorn returns from injury and resumes his place in an all-Scottish back three with Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe.
Up front, Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman packs down alongside England’s Jamie George and Ireland’s Finlay Bealham in the front row, while James Ryan and Scott Cummings provide link up in the second-row.
The back row features Wales captain Jac Morgan at blindside, Ireland’s Josh van der Flier at openside and England’s Henry Pollock, who is handed the No.8 jersey.
On the bench, Marcus Smith and a returning Garry Ringrose offer attacking flair, while Ben Earl and new call-up Gregor Brown will look to inject tempo and energy in the latter stages.
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“This fixture gives players another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two Tests,” said Lions Head Coach 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.”
British & Irish Lions team:
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Jamie George
3. Finlay Bealham
4. James Ryan
5. Scott Cummings
6. Jac Morgan
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Henry Pollock
9. Ben White
10. Fin Smith
11. Duhan van der Merwe
12. Owen Farrell
13. Jamie Osborne
14. Darcy Graham
15. Blair Kinghorn
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ewan Ashman
17. Rory Sutherland
18. Tom Clarkson
19. Gregor Brown
20. Ben Earl
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Marcus Smith
23. Garry Ringrose
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