Owen Farrell to Make Highly Anticipated Return to Action

The British and Irish Lions are set to face the AUNZ Invitational XV in their final tour match before the Test series against Australia. The game, scheduled for Saturday, will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for head coach Andy Farrell, who is expected to select a strong squad for the upcoming Tests.

Owen Farrell, the 33-year-old fly-half, has been named on the bench for the match, marking his first appearance in over two months. Farrell, who joined the tour last week as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daly, will be looking to regain his form and fitness after a concussion in a European Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon in May. The concussion was a setback for Farrell, who had been struggling with a persistent groin injury and had brought his stay in Paris with Racing 92 to an early end.

Farrell’s return to action is a significant development, as he is likely to be considered for the first Test against Australia on July 19. The Test squad is expected to be similar to the one that beat the Brumbies on Wednesday, with Andy Farrell using the Australian Super Rugby side as a dress rehearsal for his most likely line-up.

Farrell, who has been one of the most decorated players in English rugby, has a rich history with the Lions. He was a member of the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand, where he played in all three Tests, including the decisive second Test at Eden Park. However, his form has been inconsistent in recent years, and he stepped away from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup to prioritize his and his family’s well-being.

Despite his struggles, Farrell remains one of the most skilled fly-halves in the world, known for his exceptional kicking game, vision, and leadership. His return to the Lions’ squad has been met with excitement from fans and pundits alike, who believe that he can still make a significant impact on the team.

Scotland’s Ben White starts at scrum-half on Saturday, while Jac Morgan is given another chance to impress at open-side flanker. Henry Pollock and Ben Earl complete the back row, with the Scotland centre partnership of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones also starting. Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan, who has been limited by injury and illness to just 50 minutes in the win over the Queensland Reds, starts at full-back in what could be an audition for a Test starting spot.

The AUNZ Invitational XV, a revival of a combined side that last played in 1989, includes several high-profile players, including 63-cap Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete and All Blacks Hoskins Sotutu, Shannon Frizell, and Ngani Laumape. The team is seen as a strong opponent for the Lions, and the match is expected to provide valuable experience for the Test squad.

“He’s the same as everyone else who had to get up to speed pretty quickly,” said Andy Farrell of Owen. “The art of this stage of the tour is being mentally switched on as much as you possibly can – for all the players, not just the lads who are new to the group.”

With his return to action imminent, Owen Farrell will be looking to prove his doubters wrong and show that he still has what it takes to be a key player for the Lions. The match against the AUNZ Invitational XV will be a crucial test of his fitness and form, and will provide a glimpse into what we can expect from him in the upcoming Tests.