British and Ireland’s Lions coach Andy Farrell has nominated his starting XV for a clash with NSW Waratah on Saturday.
Finn Smith starts off in the fly half, with tour skipper Malo Itoge and fellow Irishman Dan Sheehan continuing his leadout, followed by Ireland’s Rock Tado Bailun.
Owen Farrell will not be available this weekend, but will join the team and replace Elliot Daly, who was ruled out by a broken forearm from the rest of the Australian tour.
When asked at a press conference if Farrell was fit enough to play for the Lions in the Test against Australia, his father Andy Farrell also said:
“I know that guys are in close contact with him and others about it and he’s been training in total boredom for a while now. He should clearly be proud of himself, that’s what we do here.
“If he doesn’t have the chance (playing the test), what’s the point? Everyone needs to compete. That’s what everyone in the group wants. But with that experience (he) brings you the support you need to the group.
Keenan starts with a full back. Another option for the No. 15 shirt, Blair Kinghorn arrived on the left wing late Monday after supporting French club Toulouse for the top 14 titles.
Young English loose forward Henry Pollock returns to the side and plays with a back row blind side flanker featuring No. 8 Ben Earl and open side Josh van der Freyer.
Starting in the fly half that lost to Argentina in Dublin two weeks ago, Finn Smith got another shot in his playmaking role in a halfback partnership with England teammate Alex Mitchell.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smith starts off on the bench.
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