Sheehan Leads Lions Against Western Force with Strong Irish Presence
Sheehan: Lions captain, eight Irish starters Western Force headline a bold selection by head coach Andy Farrell for the team’s first game in Australia. The Lions will take on Western Force in Perth on Saturday (11am Irish time), with Dan Sheehan handed the captaincy in the absence of tour skipper Maro Itoje. Sheehan, a 26-year-old Leinster hooker, recently led Ireland during their Six Nations win over Wales and now takes the reins for this tour opener.
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Irish Influence Dominates Starting Line-Up
The starting fifteen features eight Irish internationals, with three more on the bench. Among those making their Lions debut are Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier. Tadhg Beirne returns after starting in the defeat to Argentina and will play blindside flanker, while Tadhg Furlong joins Sheehan and Pierre Schoeman in the front row. In the second row, McCarthy is partnered with Scotland’s Scott Cummings, and the backrow is completed by Beirne, Van der Flier, and young prospect Henry Pollock.
Balanced Backline and Bench Options
Farrell has chosen Scotland’s Finn Russell and Wales’ Tomos Williams as the half-back pairing. Lowe and Mack Hansen will operate on the wings, Ringrose pairs with Sione Tuipulotu in midfield, and England’s Elliot Daly starts at full-back. The replacements include notable Irish names such as Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, and Jack Conan, giving the Lions additional strength off the bench.
Farrell Ready for Action
Coach Farrell praised the team’s preparation, noting smooth travel and time zone adjustments. “Dan Sheehan gets a fantastic opportunity to lead the side against the Force, which is a proud moment for him and his family,” he said. He also expects a tough challenge, acknowledging the Force’s quality and how facing the Lions often brings out inspired performances from Super Rugby sides.
Force Names Experienced Line-Up Despite Beale Absence
The Western Force have included 11 Wallabies, six of whom are in Joe Schmidt’s current national squad. Kurtley Beale, a veteran of the 2013 tour, is sidelined with a hamstring injury but will return later in the series to lead the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Ben Donaldson replaces Beale at full-back. Other current internationals starting include Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Nic White (captain), Dylan Pietsch, and Nick Champion de Crespigny.
Lions Look to Repeat 2013 Dominance
Back in 2013, the Lions crushed the Force 69-17, with Johnny Sexton scoring early and Leigh Halfpenny converting all nine tries. The tourists will be hoping for a similar result this time around, though the Force are aiming to claim a historic first-ever win against the Lions.
