Farrell on the bench for Lions return

Having last played international rugby at the World Cup almost two years ago, Owen Farrell returns for the British & Irish Lions.

He’s been named on the bench for Saturday’s clash against the Aussie-Kiwi XV in Adelaide. It’s the Lions’ final warm-up game before the first Test against the Wallabies on 19 July.

Farrell made the dash to Australia last week after his father, Lions coach Andy Farrell, summoned him as cover when utility back Elliot Daly broke his arm.

READ: Havili, Salakaia to lead Aussie-Kiwi XV

The 33-year-old, on his fourth Lions tour, earned the last of his 112 Test caps at the global showpiece in France, and is coming off an underwhelming and injury-plagued season with French club Racing 92.

The Lions are unbeaten in four matches in Australia after wins over four Super Rugby sides, including Wednesday’s 36-24 win over the Brumbies in Canberra.

The Lions have made numerous changes with Tadhg Beirne to take the captaincy reins, while young star Henry Pollock returns.

Scrumhalf Ben White will make his first start for the Lions, while Hugo Keenan is currently the only recognised and fit fullback in the squad.

South African-born Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman both get starts as well.

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS — 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van Der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Henry Pollock, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 4 James Ryan, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Bench: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Owen Farrell