Lions 2025: Beirne Captains vs Waratahs – Sydney Test
- Tadhg Beirne will captain the British and Irish Lions in their Saturday match against the Waratahs in Sydney.
- The Lions team features 14 changes from their previous victory over the Queensland Reds in brisbane.
- In a first for this tour, the Lions will use a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench.
Tadhg Beirne steps up as captain for the British & Irish Lions against the Waratahs in Sydney, setting the stage for a highly anticipated match. Coach Andy Farrell’s decision to include Owen Farrell, replacing the injured Elliot Daly, instantly ignites debate, presenting a key storyline for this test. The team sees fourteen changes from its previous victory, with fresh faces like Blair Kinghorn ready to make their Lions debut. The inclusion of Ben White on the bench marks another exciting development, plus, the strategic six-two split between forwards and backs will be a highlight. The selection of Farrell has dominated discussions, and news Directory 3 will bring the best insights. Witness the dynamic on the field and stay tuned for whether Owen Farrell can silence the critics. Discover what’s next for the Lions’ journey.
Beirne Named Lions Captain; Farrell’s Role Sparks Debate
Updated july 3, 2025
Tadhg Beirne will captain the British and Irish Lions in their Saturday match against the Waratahs in Sydney. The declaration came as coach Andy Farrell also named his son, Owen Farrell, as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daly, a move that has stirred controversy.
The Lions team features 14 changes from their previous victory over the Queensland Reds in brisbane. Hugo Keenan will start at full-back,and Blair kinghorn will make his debut for the Lions on the left wing,a position he held for Toulouse,the french title winner,at the end of the season.
In a first for this tour, the Lions will use a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench. Ben White, the Scottish scrum-half who joined the team after Tomos Williams’ withdrawal, is also set to make his Lions debut as a replacement.
Huw Jones is the only player to start in consecutive games, partnering with Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield for the first time on the tour. Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell, both from Northampton, will take over the half-back duties from Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park. Henry Pollock returns at blind-side flanker.
Farrell’s decision to call up his son dominated the press conference. When asked about Beirne’s captaincy, Farrell said, “I’m delighted for tadhg. I know there’s the sad news about Elliot and the news about Owen coming is the big one,but the squad that’s been picked is an exciting one. At the top of that is Tadhg as captain. He’s honored and delighted. It took him aback when I told him, and that’s exactly the type of reaction you want.”
Owen Farrell, a fly-half and inside center, replaces Daly, who plays wing, full-back, and outside center. The selection is controversial, given Farrell’s recent inactivity. He last played Test rugby in october 2023 and has been sidelined since may 4 after suffering a concussion playing for Racing.
farrell addressed the criticism, saying, “Look, I hope people can get past that. There has been a lot of that nonsense for some time. That was in the past. We all just need to move and embrace what the Lions is all about and what we have got coming ahead.”
British and Irish Lions: Keenan, Hansen, jones, Tuipulotu, Kinghorn, Smith, Mitchell; Schoeman, Cowan-Dickie, Bealham, Beirne, Ryan, Pollock, Van der Flier, Earl.
Replacements: Sheehan, Genge, Furlong, McCarthy, Cummings, Morgan, White, M Smith.
What’s next
The Lions will face the Waratahs on Saturday, with Beirne leading the team. The focus will be on whether Owen Farrell can integrate smoothly and silence the critics surrounding his selection.