Andy Farrell reveals the British and Irish Lions’ starting XV for the match against the Waratahs
The British and Irish Lions coach, Andy Farrell, has announced the starting lineup for Saturday’s match against the NSW Waratahs. Fin Smith will lead the attack from the fly-half position, accompanied by Irish second row Tadhg Beirne and tour captain Maro Itoje, along with Dan Sheehan, also Irish. Owen Farrell will not be available for this match, but will join the team to replace Elliot Daly, who will miss the rest of the Australia tour due to a fractured forearm.The coach added that the player has been training intensely and should be proud. Furthermore, he expressed his confidence that Farrell will be eager to participate in the game. He also highlighted the importance of the experience and support that Farrell brings to the group. Keenan will play at fullback, while Blair Kinghorn, another option for the number 15, will be on the left wing, joining the team on Monday after winning the Top 14 title with his French club Toulouse. Henry Pollock, young English loose forward, returns to the team and will play as blindside flanker, forming part of a third line that also includes number 8 Ben Earl and openside Josh van der Flier. Fin Smith, who played as fly-half in the defeat against Argentina in Dublin two weeks ago, will have another opportunity in the role of playmaker, partnering with his English teammate Alex Mitchell at scrum-half. Meanwhile, Marcus Smith will start on the bench.“He’s in shape, otherwise they wouldn’t have selected him,” commented Andy Farrell, referring to Owen Farrell’s physical condition.
Andy Farrell
