Lions name Tadhg Beirne as captain for last pre-Test game as they prepare for a crucial clash against an Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV in Adelaide on Saturday, giving several Irish players a final chance to impress before the opening Test against the Wallabies.
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Beirne Leads an Irish Core
Tadhg Beirne, who led the Lions to a scrappy win over the Waratahs last week, will partner James Ryan in an all-Irish second row, with tour captain Maro Itoje given a rest before the Test series begins. Hugo Keenan starts at full-back, hoping to secure his place in the Test team after Blair Kinghorn’s injury, while Mack Hansen completes the Irish trio in the starting backline alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe.
Key Selections in the Backline
Ben White and Fin Smith will guide the game at half-back, with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones partnering in midfield. The Lions back three of Keenan, Hansen, and Van der Merwe will look to sharpen their combinations in what is expected to be the toughest outing of the tour so far. The 33-year-old Owen Farrell, who joined the squad after Elliot Daly’s injury, is on the bench and eager to push into the Test plans led by his father and head coach, Andy Farrell.
A Challenging Test Before the Test Series
The Lions’ front row of Pierre Schoeman, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Will Stuart will be tested against a powerful AUNZ XV, with a back row of Henry Pollock, Jac Morgan, and Ben Earl adding versatility. The replacements bench is strongly Irish, featuring Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier, along with Scott Cummings, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, and Farrell covering the backline.
Formidable Opponents Await
Les Kiss and Ian Foster have named a strong combined Australia and New Zealand XV with 17 internationals, including Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Crusaders centre David Havili as co-captains. Their backline features All Blacks midfielders Ngani Laumape and Havili, with Marika Korobeite providing pace on the wing, making this clash a serious test for the Lions before facing the Wallabies.
Preparation for the Wallabies
With the Lions aiming to sharpen their combinations, this fixture will play a crucial role in finalising selections for the Test series. The match will test their depth, resilience, and readiness as they look to build momentum for the challenges ahead against Australia.
