Farrell Names Lions XV Amid Injury Concerns

Andy Farrell has named a significantly changed British & Irish Lions starting XV, with Tadhg Beirne captaining the side in their final warm-up against the Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV at Adelaide Oval. Injury concerns have emerged over Mack Hansen, who is recovering from a foot injury, and Blair Kinghorn, sidelined with a knee problem, leaving their availability for the first Test against Australia in doubt. Hugo Keenan and Duhan van der Merwe join Hansen in the back three, while Ben White and Fin Smith start at half-back, and Owen Farrell is among the replacements. The squad features a strong Irish influence, with four Irish players starting and several more on the bench. Lions management has contingency plans if Hansen and Kinghorn are unfit for the Test series. Andy Farrell is expected to confirm the final Test squad later this week.