Henry Pollock handed first Lions start as Andy Farrell makes 13 changes for tour opener against Western Force following disappointing Argentina defeat

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Pollock will make his first Lions start having been named at No8 for Saturday
Irish hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the team, with Finn Russell starting at No10

Published: 08:31 BST, 26 June 2025 | Updated: 08:31 BST, 26 June 2025

Henry Pollock will make his first start for the Lions after being named at No8 for Saturday’s opener against Western Force.

Following last week’s defeat by Argentina in Dublin, Andy Farrell has made 13 changes to his starting XV, with centre Sione Tuipulotu and flanker Tadhg Beirne the only players doubling up.

Irish hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the team, leading a new-look side, with Finn Russell pulling the strings at No10.

However, plans to partner Russell with Jamison Gibson-Park at half-back remain on hold, with the Ireland scrum-half still recovering from a glute injury.

Farrell has used the match to introduce players from Bath and Leinster who were absent for the training camp in Portugal.

With tour captain Maro Itoje rested, full-back Elliot Daly and Pollock are the only two Englishmen in the starting XV.

Pollock will make his first start for the Lions after being named at No8 for Saturday’s opener

After last week’s defeat by Argentina, Andy Farrell has made 13 changes to his starting line up

Centre Sione Tuipulotu and flanker Tadhg Beirne are the only players doubling up for the Lions

Mack Hansen and James Lowe have been named on the wing, with centre Garry Ringrose and scrum-half Tomos Williams joining the backline.

Head coach Farrell said: ‘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.

‘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.’

Up front, Pierre Schoeman and Tadhg Furlong will prop down either side of the new captain.

Scott Cummings and Joe McCarthy pack down together in the second-row, with Josh van der Flier taking over the No7 jersey.

With Itoje rested, full-back Elliot Daly and Pollock are the only two Englishmen in the starting X

Andy Farrell's Lions take on Perth based Western Force in their tour opener on Saturday

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens/England) #822

14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #867

13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)

12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #863

11. James Lowe (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)

10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby/Scotland) #835

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby/Wales) #866

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #868