British and Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell enforces change in aftermath of Argentina defeat

By Aidan Leo

Head coach Andy Farrell has overhauled his Lions’ lineup from their season-opening defeat to Argentina, making 13 changes ahead of their clash with the Western Force on Saturday, June 28.

Ireland’s star hooker Dan Sheehan will be making his Lions debut, while also entrusted with the armband for this game. 

Farrell’s charges have been reinforced with solidity and experience in the form of arriving Leinster and Bath players from their respective final wins.

Farrell’s view

“We have had a good week of training and all of the travel and time zone changes have been managed really well, so we are good to go,” Farrell told Sky Sports. 

“Dan Sheehan gets the opportunity to lead the side against Western Force, which is a great honour for him and his family – so congratulations to Dan as he captains the side on his Lions debut.

“We know the quality and experience the Force have and the opportunity to play against the Lions always brings out special performances from the Super Rugby sides, so we expect them to be at their best.”

Notable players in the selection

Scottish trio Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones are selected as the 10-12-13 combination — expected to revitalise the Lions’ attack.

With synergy notable in the backline, the forward pack should experience the same level of cohesion and alignment bolstered by formidable Irish forwards.

Sheehan, naturally, is a noticeable standout, with ex-IRB World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier at openside, partnered by his Irish-compatriot, the ever-present Tadhg Beirne.

With one of the best anchors in world rugby at tighthead in Tadhg Furlong, and the growing-in-experience livewire Joe McCarthy at five, expect dominance in the scrum and in the carry.

Other points of interest are in wide areas — further tightening up proceedings with the likes of Irish duo James Lowe and Mack Hansen in possession of the 11 and 14 jerseys, respectively.

In charge of the aerial threat and counter-attack at 15 will be the reliable, vastly-experienced England outside back Elliot Daly. 

Beirne and Tuipulotu are the only players to remain in the side after the Lions’ defeat to Argentina.

The weekend’s outlook

Farrell was relatively scathing in his post-match on-field interview after the team’s struggles against the Pumas. 

Hoping that his comments ignited something in his players, Farrell and his staff will be expecting a much more efficient, secure performance.

After squaring off against the Force on June 28 this weekend, Farrell’s men will prepare for the Queensland Reds on Wednesday, July 2 in Brisbane. 

British and Irish Lions 23 vs. Western Force:

Starters: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Scott Cummings, 5 Joe McCarthy, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Henry Pollock.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Huw Jones, 23 Marcus Smith.