Lions vs First Nations & Pasifika XV live: Latest score and updates from midweek tour clash as second Test looms – UK Times

Head coach Andy Farrell has made it abundantly clear that jerseys are up for grabs for this weekend’s second test against the Wallabies.

With the tour currently at 1-0, the second test will prove vital in securing a win for the Lions who are looking to replicate the success of 12 years ago.

Coach Farrell said “The coaches minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places and we want that to continue for the remaining two tests”

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)

ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)

Jac Morgan was one of those particularly unfortunate to miss out entirely on the first Test, and may well find himself sidelined again at the MCG on Saturday. The flanker, the last remaining Welshman on tour, has a little bit of strapping on his leg and was late to join the rest of the Lions squad in the warm-up – it doesn’t look an issue of particular severity and Morgan will be hoping for a good outing.

While the likelihood is that the Lions team for the second Test looks similar to the first, assistant coach Simon Easterby has made it clear to those involved at Marvel Stadium tonight that there could be spots up for grabs.

“They know that there’s an opportunity,” Easterby said yesterday. “They know that every time they get an opportunity to perform.

“I believe that the group is so competitive at the moment. You genuinely could put out a team of 15 players, a different team, and the quality and the standard of that performance won’t dip. Everyone brings their own individual strengths to this group, but certainly the connectivity and being the best teammates they can be has showed out across the last few weeks.

“I don’t think it will be any different, with the prize potentially of being involved in the second or third Test.”

Taniela Tupou starts at tighthead for the First Nations & Pasifika team tonight in what could be the prop’s final outing on home soil. Tupou is off to Racing 92 next season having fallen down the Wallabies pecking order in the last couple of years.

“Look, I’m here having fun, enjoying it, whatever happens, happens,” Tupou said of his Test future.

“So if I’m back, I’m back and if not, I’m living life, I’m enjoying it.

“Just play my footy tomorrow and then see what happens after that … hopefully I will play again, if not, then I’m at peace with it.”

Sitting down to chat to Owen Farrell yesterday, it was impossible to shake a sense of a different character to the one who left England for France last summer. The move to Racing 92 may not have worked out but it feels like Farrell may have found a new perspective as he bids to enjoy every moment of his fourth Lions tour.

The Lions are led by Owen Farrell, with the Englishman stationed at inside centre outside of compatriot Fin Smith. Only three of those involved in the first Test back up as Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith retain bench spots in what is an otherwise new-look Lions side.

Blair Kinghorn, who starts at full-back, and Garry Ringrose, set to feature off the bench, are welcome returnees from injury. Jamie George, Jamie Osborne, Darcy Graham, Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Tom Clarkson and Gregor Brown are all in line for their first appearances of the tour after being called up to the squad.

British and Irish Lions XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Jamie George, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Jac Morgan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Henry Pollock; 9 Ben White, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Owen Farrell (capt.), 13 Jamie Osborne, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Tom Clarkson, 19 Gregor Brown, 20 Ben Earl; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Garry Ringrose.

The First Nations & Pasifika side is captained by fly half Kurtley Beale, who gets a shot at Lions redemption 12 years on from his untimely slip in the first Test. Beale is back fit after missing an outing for the Western Force earlier in the tour through injury. He steers a side that blends some of Australian rugby’s in-form Super Rugby Pacific stars with a couple of additions from the Fijian Drua on the bench.

Pete Samu may be unavailable but it’s still a strong back row group named by Toutai Kefu, with Charlie Gamble very good for the Waratahs earlier in the tour and the explosive Rob Leota on the bench. Tighthead Taniela Tupou and wing Filipo Daugunu have been released from Wallabies camp to feature.

First Nations & Pasifika XV: 1 Lington Ieli, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Darcy Swain, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; 6 Seru Uru, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima; 9 Kalani Thomas, 10 Kurtley Beale (capt.); 11 Filipo Daugunu, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 14 Triston Reilly; 15 Andy Muirhead.

Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Rob Leota; 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Jarrah McLeod.

Back to tonight, then, and we’ll take a closer look at the two teams in a moment. First, though, a player who won’t be involved – Pete Samu was with the First Nations & Pasifika squad last week and even had his headshot taken, before being ruled ineligible for the fixture having not player in Super Rugby Pacific last season. It all rather seems unnecessary but rules, it seems, are rules.

Away from the Lions briefly, and Wales finally have a new head coach: Steve Tandy was always a strong contender for the role and has been appointed as Warren Gatland’s permanent successor.