Farrell Replaces Daly
On July 3, 2025, the British and Irish Lions confirmed that Owen Farrell, 33, has been called up to replace Elliot Daly, who suffered a fractured forearm during their 52-12 win over Queensland Reds. Daly, a three-tour veteran, was injured tackling Jock Campbell and was ruled out after an X-ray, ending his 11-match streak in Lions squads. Head coach Andy Farrell praised Daly as a “Lions legend” for his on-field (1.8 tackles per game) and off-field contributions, but turned to his son Owen, a 112-cap England veteran, to fill the gap. Owen arrives in Sydney on July 4, marking his fourth Lions tour (2013, 2017, 2021).
Fin Smith and Debutants
Andy Farrell named Northampton’s Fin Smith at fly-half for the Lions’ match against the New South Wales Waratahs on July 5, 2025, at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event (build-up 10:00 BST, kick-off 11:00). Ireland’s Hugo Keenan (full-back), Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn (wing), and England’s Ben Earl (No. 8) will make their Lions debuts, with Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne captaining the side. The lineup includes Alex Mitchell at scrum-half and James Ryan in the second row, with a 6-2 bench split featuring Ben White and Marcus Smith. Smith’s selection (2.1 key passes per game in 2024/25) over Marcus Smith signals Farrell’s trust in the 23-year-old for the warm-up clash.
Farrell’s Return and Controversy
Owen Farrell, who returned to Saracens after an injury-plagued 2024/25 season with Racing 92 (concussion on May 4), hasn’t played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup, stepping back for mental well-being. His 6 Lions Test appearances and 19 total games bring unmatched experience, but his call-up is debated due to his nine-week competitive absence and lack of direct positional cover for Daly’s full-back, wing, and centre roles. Andy Farrell defended the decision, noting Owen’s versatility at fly-half and inside centre: “He’s fit and ready to go. With Daly out, Owen adds options at 10 and 12.” Fans on X are split, with some praising his 1,255 Test points for England, others questioning his form over Finn Russell or Marcus Smith.
Waratahs Challenge
The Waratahs, led by captain Hugh Sinclair and featuring Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway, aim to challenge the Lions after their 54-7 and 52-12 wins over Western Force and Queensland Reds. The Lions’ 14 changes reflect Farrell’s rotation strategy ahead of the first Test against Australia on July 19. Keenan, recovered from illness, and Kinghorn, fresh from Toulouse’s Top 14 title, bolster the backline, but Daly’s absence (1.6 metres gained per carry) tests squad depth. The Waratahs’ 2.3 tries per game in Super Rugby 2024/25 pose a threat, but the Lions’ 8-try haul against the Reds shows their attacking edge.
Road Ahead
Farrell’s arrival on July 4 leaves him unlikely to feature against the Waratahs but sets him up for the ACT Brumbies clash on July 8. The Lions’ Test series against the Wallabies looms, with Fin Smith’s performance (85% kicking accuracy) potentially securing his Test spot. Fans on X celebrate Farrell’s “clutch” mentality but lament Daly’s exit, with some calling for Wales’ Blair Murray as a like-for-like replacement. The Lions’ tour, broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports, continues with high stakes, as Beirne’s leadership and debutants like Earl aim to maintain momentum before Brisbane’s first Test.
