Match Preview: Lions vs. AUNZ Invitational XV
The British and Irish Lions face the Australia/New Zealand Invitational XV on July 12, 2025, at Adelaide Oval (11:00 BST, live text on BBC Sport website and app), in their final warm-up before the Test series against Australia starts July 19. Owen Farrell, 33, is named on the bench, joined by Marcus Smith, in a squad captained by Tadhg Beirne. The match tests Lions’ depth, with Hugo Keenan starting at full-back and Fin Smith at fly-half, while the AUNZ XV features Wallabies’ Marika Koroibete and All Blacks’ Hoskins Sotutu.
- Lions Line-Up: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Fin Smith, Ben White; Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne (c), James Ryan; Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Ben Earl. Replacements: Jamie George, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, George Cummings, Peter O’Mahony, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell.
- AUNZ XV Line-Up: Corey Stevenson; Jordan Lam, Ngani Laumape, David Havili (co-c), Marika Koroibete; Tane Edmed, Finlay Fakatava; Tom Ross, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Lachlan Blyth, Sam Salakaia-Loto, Shannon Frizell, Pete Samu, Hoskins Sotutu.
Farrell’s Return
Farrell, who replaced the injured Elliot Daly (fractured forearm) last week, is set for his first competitive game since a May 4, 2025, concussion in Racing 92’s European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Lyon. After a disappointing single season in France, marred by a groin injury (missed 12 games), he returned to Saracens in June. His potential Lions Test appearance on July 19 would mark his return to Test rugby since England’s 2023 World Cup third-place win over Argentina. Andy Farrell, his father and Lions head coach, said, “Owen’s experience is vital, but we’re testing Fin at 10.” Farrell’s 1,255 Test points and 19 Lions games make him a key substitute.
Key Players and Context
Hugo Keenan, limited by injury to 50 minutes against Queensland Reds, starts at full-back, competing with Blair Kinghorn (sidelined by a knock) for the Test spot. Fin Smith (85% kicking accuracy) edges out Marcus Smith at fly-half, while Ben White starts at scrum-half over Alex Mitchell. Jac Morgan and Henry Pollock aim to secure back-row Test spots, with Beirne leading from lock. The AUNZ XV, reviving a 1989 concept, includes 63-cap Koroibete and Tane Edmed, a potential Wallabies fly-half after Noah Lolesio’s injury. The Lions’ 52-12 Brumbies win on July 9 was a Test rehearsal, suggesting a stronger line-up then, but this game tests squad depth.
Strategic Implications
Andy Farrell’s 6-2 bench split prioritizes forward power, with Farrell and Marcus Smith covering backline versatility. The AUNZ XV’s pace, led by Koroibete (1.8 metres per carry) and Sotutu (2.1 tackles per game), challenges the Lions’ defense (conceded 1.2 tries per game on tour). Rain risks (48% chance) may favor the Lions’ set-piece strength (88% lineout success). Fans on X debate Farrell’s bench role, with some calling for Marcus Smith’s “flair” to start, while others see Owen as a “clutch” Test option. The Lions’ 8-try Brumbies rout fuels optimism, but Australia’s Wallabies, with James Slipper back, loom large.
Next Steps
Farrell’s likely cameo off the bench, his first Lions game since 2021, sets up a Test squad decision by July 15. A win strengthens the Lions’ momentum for the first Test at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The AUNZ XV, coached by Scott Robertson, tests the Lions’ readiness against hybrid Super Rugby talent. Fans on X urge a “statement win” to honor Elliot Daly, while the Test series outcome hinges on Keenan’s fitness and Fin Smith’s playmaking (1.8 key passes per game). The Lions’ legacy, post-Diogo Jota tributes, carries emotional weight into the July 19 clash.
