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Lions Coach Shakes Up Lineup for Crucial Second Test Against Australia
24 Jul
Summary
- Lions head coach Andy Farrell names son Owen on bench for second Test
- Midfield changes due to Garry Ringrose's concussion symptoms
- Leinster players dominate starting XV with 7 out of 15 players
In the lead-up to the second Test against Australia, Lions head coach Andy Farrell has made a number of changes to his lineup. The most notable is the inclusion of his son, Owen Farrell, on the bench for the match.
Farrell was forced to make an 11th-hour change to his midfield after centre Garry Ringrose reported concussion symptoms following training on Thursday. As a result, Scotland's Huw Jones remains in the side and will play alongside Bundee Aki, who replaces Sione Tuipulotu.
There are two other changes in the starting XV, with loosehead prop Andrew Porter swapping places with Ellis Genge and England's Ollie Chessum replacing Joe McCarthy in the second row due to a foot injury.
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Farrell has also mixed up his replacements, with Wales' Jac Morgan poised to make his first appearance of the series and Ireland second row James Ryan and Scotland playmaker Blair Kinghorn also named on the bench.
The Lions are aiming to wrap up their first series since 2013 with victory at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, they will face a Wallabies team bolstered by the return of second row Will Skelton and back-rower Rob Valetini.
Accusations of favoritism are likely to be leveled at Farrell, who has kept faith in Ireland wing James Lowe despite a poor individual performance in the first Test. The coach, though, will be hoping his selections can deliver the desired result and secure a series victory for the Lions.
