Farrell Named on the Bench for Final Lions Warm-Up Before Test Series

Owen Farrell returns as Lions face AUNZ XV in final clash ahead of Australia Tests

Owen Farrell’s return to British and Irish Lions colours will come from the bench, as the legendary playmaker has been named among the replacements for the Lions’ final tour match before the much-anticipated Test series against Australia kicks off.

The 33-year-old was drafted into the squad only last week as injury cover for Elliot Daly, but Farrell’s leadership, game management, and big-game experience could yet play a crucial role in the weeks to come. And while he won’t start this time, the presence of his name on the team sheet signals that the former England captain is very much part of head coach Andy Farrell’s plans for the summer.

As the Lions prepare to face a star-studded Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV on Saturday, all eyes are on how the combinations gel ahead of what promises to be a brutal Test campaign.

Lions Line-Up: Youth, Power, and a Few Familiar Faces

Farrell is joined on the bench by fellow playmaker Marcus Smith, suggesting the coaching staff may want a second-half look at different fly-half options before settling on their Test line-up.

Starting at No.10 will be Finn Smith, the 22-year-old Worcester-born Northampton Saints star who continues to impress with his creativity and poise. He’ll have Scotland’s Ben White inside him at scrum-half—another nod to experimentation ahead of tougher challenges.

The backline is as powerful as it is balanced: Hugo Keenan gets the nod at full-back, with Duhan van der Merwe and Mack Hansen offering speed and physicality on the wings. The midfield pairing is all-Scottish, with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones aiming to rekindle the kind of form that lit up last year’s Six Nations.

Up front, the pack has a gritty look. Tadhg Beirne captains the side from the second row alongside James Ryan, while Pierre Schoeman, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Will Stuart form a battle-hardened front row. Jac Morgan retains his spot at open-side flanker, with Henry Pollock and Ben Earl completing a mobile and aggressive back row.

It’s a side built to test itself in open play, with ball-carriers throughout the XV and no shortage of tackling steel.

Owen Farrell: Calm Head Ready to Contribute

Owen Farrell to make first appearance of Lions tour in final audition before Tests

Even though he’s not starting, Owen Farrell’s inclusion on the bench sends a message: he is still very much a Lion. This will be his first appearance on this tour after stepping in for the injured Daly, and although questions have been raised over his lack of game time, no one doubts what he brings in terms of experience and leadership.

Farrell has featured in every Lions Test series since 2013, and his understanding of pressure rugby is second to none. With the series against the Wallabies looming, Saturday’s clash offers him a golden opportunity to sharpen his match sharpness and make a case for inclusion in the Test 23.

Whether it’s his metronomic goal-kicking, no-nonsense defence, or vocal influence on the pitch, Farrell could yet play a decisive role in this tour—even if not from the opening whistle.

The Opponent: AUNZ XV Full of Test-Level Talent

Facing the Lions this week is an Australia/New Zealand Invitational XV packed with international pedigree.

Marika Koroibete headlines a formidable backline. The Wallabies flyer brings pace and brute force on the wing, while inside him, All Blacks stars Ngani Laumape, Shannon Frizell, and Hoskins Sotutu offer world-class quality in midfield and the pack. Tane Edmed, who made his debut for Australia last November, starts at fly-half and could be pushing for a Wallabies recall, especially with Noah Lolesio sidelined.

The AUNZ side also features several players with strong northern hemisphere connections. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, once of Wasps and Ulster, starts at prop, while Pete Samu—fresh off a stellar season with Bordeaux-Bègles—lines up at flanker.

This is no makeshift exhibition team. With 60+ caps between the starting wings and a pack that boasts considerable Super Rugby and international experience, the Lions will have their hands full. For all intents and purposes, this match will serve as a Test-level rehearsal.

A Final Chance to Impress Before the Real Business Begins

For players like Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, and Marcus Smith, Saturday is more than just another tour match—it’s an audition for the Test side. The Lions management have been keen to rotate, experiment, and challenge their depth across all areas of the squad. But with the first Test against Australia just days away, selections will now carry extra weight.

Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, who formed one of the most effective centre partnerships in the 2023 Six Nations, will want to cement their claim. Ben Earl, a livewire for England last year, is another name who could be knocking on the door for a starting role against the Wallabies.

And then there’s Farrell—waiting in the wings, but no stranger to delivering when it matters most.

The Road to Brisbane Starts Here

As the Lions prepare to take on Australia in what promises to be a fierce three-match Test series, this clash against a battle-hardened AUNZ XV offers a final, critical opportunity to fine-tune combinations, test tactical plans, and see who rises to the occasion under pressure.

Owen Farrell may be on the bench, but he’s watching, ready, and poised—just like the Lions, who know that the real fight starts in Brisbane.

But before then, one more hurdle remains.