Preview: First Nations & Pasifika v British & Irish Lions

The British & Irish Lions will face First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne in the final provincial game of the Qatar Airways Lions Men's Tour to Australia 2025.

After a number of late call ups due to injuries, there is a different look to the Lions squads that played in the earlier matches.

As many as seven players could make their first appearance of the Tour, with five possible first Lions appearances among them.

Darcy Graham, Jamie Osborne, and Jamie George all start whilst, Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Tom Clarkson, and Gregor Brown could all feature from the bench

.Owen Farrell also captains the side from inside centre, despite coming into the touring squad late. The Lions will be looking for a repeat performance from their 48-0 victory over the AUNZ Invitational XV which was stacked full of international talent.

Their opposition on the weekend is no different, with big names throughout the 23.

Captain Kurtley Beale will run the backline from fly-half and will aim to find the same form that made him an integral part of the Wallabies' run to the 2015 World Cup Final.

Inside him at scrum-half, Kalani Thomas will look to continue his impressive form over the tour, having set up Josh Flook’s brilliant try for the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Openside flanker Charlie Gamble also impressed for The Waratahs against the Lions recording 12 tackles with a perfect 100% success rate and effecting four turnovers, though he narrowly missed out on selection for the Wallabies in the first Test.

Taniela Tupou returns from injury, as the talismanic tight-head looks to work his way back into the Australian Test team.

Where to watch

Sky Sports will be showing all the action live in the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar throughout this Tour.Welsh language channel S4C will broadcast extensive same-day highlights of each game every evening.For a full breakdown, click here.

What they said

Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell, said: “This fixture gives players another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two Tests.

“The coaches’ minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places and we want that to continue for the remaining two Tests.

"This group know the level of performance that we will require against a First Nations Pasifika team that is packed with talent and power.”

Lions v First Nations & Pasifika XV Head Coach Toutai Kefu said: "The team has a really nice feel to it, with a blend of not only youth and experience, but also cultures. We’re pleased with how it’s come together and the boys have connected brilliantly so far,

“It’s an opportunity for the players involved to press their cases forward for higher honours, so everyone will be keen to make an impression.

“The Lions have shown how strong they are on this Tour. No matter who plays, they will be very hard to beat, but we’re not here to make up the numbers.“We want to win this game and make history.”

Key Battle: Pierre Schoeman v Taniela Tupou

Taniela Tupou is a crucial part of the Wallabies squad when he’s fit and firing.

Missing out on the first Test due to injury would have been a huge blow, both personally and on the rest of the squad.

The tighthead prop gives energy to the rest of the team through his massive physicality and willingness to get through carries around the park.Facing the experienced Pierre Schoeman on return at scrum time, however, will not be easy.

At his best Schoeman can scrummage with anyone in the world and, although Tupou’s play around the park has always been world class, the Aussie tighthead’s set piece has been under question at times during his 58-cap career.

After Australia’s poor showing in the first test, Joe Schmidt will be hoping that Tupou can come back into the fold on top form.

First Nations & Pasifika XV

15. Andy Muirhead, 14. Triston Reilly, 13.Lalakai Foketi, 12. David Feliuai, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 10. Kurtley Beale ©, 9. Kalani Thomas, 1.Lington Ieli, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Seru Uru, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima

Replacements: 16.Richie Asiata, 17.Marley Pearce, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce 20. Rob Leota 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Jack Debreczeni 23. Jarrah McLeod

British & Irish Lions

15. Blair Kinghorn 14. Darcy Graham 13. Jamie Osborne 12. Owen Farrell (c) 11. Duhan van der Merwe 10. Fin Smith 9. Ben White 1. Pierre Schoeman 2. Jamie George 3. Finlay Bealham 4. James Ryan 5. Scott Cummings 6. Jac Morgan 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Henry Pollock

Replacements: 16. Ewan Ashman 17. Rory Sutherland 18. Tom Clarkson 19. Gregor Brown 20. Ben Earl 21. Alex Mitchell 22. Marcus Smith 23. Garry Ringrose