Lions Tour: Owen Farrell on the bench for final warm-up before Australia Test series

The British & Irish Lions face their final game before the first Test on Saturday morning, so it’s a last chance to shine for the squad picked to face an Invitational Australia and New Zealand team.

The selection of Owen Farrell on the bench was one of the big talking points yesterday as the son of Lions coach Andy is set to appear on his fourth tour.

Another key area the Lions must address before taking on the Wallabies is the breakdown, where they have often been second best against the Australian Super Rugby sides and have given up too many penalties.

Henry Pollock, Jac Morgan and Ben Earl are the starting back row with Josh van der Flier on the bench.Bookmakers have handed the Invitational XV a 14-point handicap start. 

British & Irish Lions team vs Invitational AU & NZ 

Lions XV: H Keenan; M Hansen, H Jones, S Tuipulotu, D van der Merwe; F Smith, B White; P Schoeman, L Cowan-Dickie, W Stuart, J Ryan, T Beirne, H Pollock, J Morgan, B Earl. 

Replacements: R Kelleher, A Porter, F Bealham, S Cummings, J van der Flier, A Mitchell, M Smith, O Farrell.

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2025 British & Irish Lions Tour schedule

The British & Irish Lions play ten matches this summer and after beginning their schedule with a 28-24 defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Andy Farrell's side scored a half-century of points in wins over the Western Force and Queensland Reds since arriving in Australia.

After a disappointing performance against the Waratahs, albeit winning 21-10, Wednesday's 36-24 victory over the Brumbies posed more questions.

They next meet an Invitational AU & NZ in what could be a bruising final warm-up contest before the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.

Here is the full itinerary:

Odds correct at time of publication.

2025 British & Irish Lions squad in full

Forwards: Tadhg Beirne, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Scott Cummings, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn, James Lowe, Alex Mitchell, Garry Ringrose, Finn Russell, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.

Read Jack Ogalbe's thoughts on the Lions squad

Where can I watch the 2025 Lions tour?

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia is being shown live on Sky Sports.

Who is the captain of the Lions?

England forward Maro Itoje was named as the captain of the British & Irish Lions at May's squad announcement at the O2 in London. He is the first English captain of the Lions since Martin Johnson led them on the 2001 tour down under and only the third in 89 years.

Who is the Lions' head coach?

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was appointed as leader of the British & Irish Lions in 2024. Farrell, who enjoyed a stellar career in rugby league with Wigan, is currently the head coach of Ireland, whom he has guided to two Six Nations titles. 

What is the betting for the 2025 Lions Tour?

Here are the latest odds for the British & Irish Lions' three-match Test series against Australia's Wallabies.

Odds correct at 11am on Thursday, June 26. Subject to change.

Read more ...

Jack Ogalbe: Ignore the Lions naysayers and strap in for an amazing summer 

Graham Woods: Instinct and experience key for Lions punters 

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