Lions team to play First Nations and Pasifika XV: Farrell and Pollock starts

For those not picked in the 23, their focus will shift to the midweek game against a First Nations and Pasifika XV, comprised of players of Indigenous Australian or Pacific Islander origin.

There will be a few interesting selections for this game, with rotation being key. Here is our predicted lineup for the midweek game in Melbourne.

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With limited depth at fullback, Marcus Smith may be asked to step in depending on how many minutes he sees in the first Test. Blair Kinghorn could also be in contention if he shakes off his injury concerns, while Mack Hansen, who is comfortable in the role, is still a doubt. That leaves Hugo Keenan, injury cover Jamie Osborne, and Smith as the main options. Keenan starts the first Test, so it’s highly likely that Smith gets his chance in the midweek game. It’s a good opportunity for him to show his adaptability and creativity in the backfield.

Called up as injury cover, Graham has the chance to prove a point if Hansen doesn’t recover in time. The electric Scottish winger was viewed by many as unlucky to miss out on the original squad, and this game could be the platform for him to remind everyone of what he brings: sheer pace, sharp footwork, and a real eye for the try line.

Aki's impact off the bench could be crucial in the first Test, but if he comes through that game unscathed, he’s likely to start midweek. His powerful running, defensive solidity, and leadership qualities remain valuable assets.

Farrell was called up as a centre, not a fly-half, so he will likely start at 12—where he played extensively for England. His experience, defensive organisation, and leadership make him an ideal option to anchor the midfield, particularly in a game featuring rotated combinations.

Left out of the Test squad after a couple of underwhelming performances, van der Merwe now faces a battle to claw his way back into contention. He’s still a potent attacking weapon when on form, and the midweek fixture offers a fresh chance to make his mark and stake a claim.

Fin Smith has been incredibly unlucky to be behind Finn Russell in the pecking order, but that’s no knock on his own ability. A gifted playmaker with a great rugby brain, Smith should get valuable minutes here to showcase his calm game management and attacking vision.

A late addition to the squad after Tomos Williams’ injury, White impressed in the Australia–New Zealand warm-up game. He deserves a proper run-out to show what he can do, allowing Jamison Gibson-Park and Alex Mitchell a break. Smart, sharp, and composed, he’s a safe pair of hands at nine.

With the Test loosehead spots taken, Schoeman is expected to feature here. The hard-carrying Scot brings physicality and energy in the loose, and he'll relish another chance to make an impression.

Drafted in as cover for Luke Cowan-Dickie, the ever-reliable George offers steady hands at the set-piece and vital experience. A leader on and off the field, he adds a layer of calm to the forward pack and should feature prominently.

Likely to start as the third-choice tighthead, Bealham’s presence will help ease the workload on the frontline props. A dependable scrummager with a strong work rate, he’s always eager to put his hand up for selection.

Ryan may not be starting the Test, but he’s a towering figure in the engine room and brings great physicality and lineout prowess. He'll be central to setting the tone against the midweek opposition and will want to stay sharp in case he’s called up later in the series.

Cummings has been quietly consistent throughout the tour and deserves another chance to shine. He’s solid in the tight, dependable at the lineout, and brings an edge that complements Ryan nicely.

It feels harsh that Morgan hasn’t made the Test squad. A tireless worker and natural leader, he may have to slot in at blindside to accommodate the selection balance. His adaptability and tenacity make him too valuable to leave out.

Another tough omission from the Test team, van der Flier has been excellent throughout the tour and will be eager to use this match to press his claim. His breakdown work and tackling are second to none, and he’s more than capable of turning Farrell’s head.

The young bolter of the squad, Pollock has shown glimpses of real star quality. This match is a golden chance to get more minutes under his belt and build confidence. His dynamism and game-breaking ability make him a fascinating prospect for the future—and perhaps even the present.

Called up due to injury, Ashman is a tenacious hooker with a strong set-piece game. He’ll likely come off the bench and provide plenty of energy in the final quarter. A solid tour showing could see him sneak into further matchday squads.

Another injury replacement, Sutherland brings a wealth of experience and scrummaging power. He’ll be keen to make the most of his minutes and remind the coaches of what he offers when fully fit and firing.

With less depth at tighthead, Stuart may be called upon for back-to-back bench roles. That’s a big ask physically, but he’s proven he can handle it. His size and strength will be crucial, especially if the set-piece gets scrappy late on.

Versatile and athletic, Chessum will likely continue as a bench option to cover second row and blindside. He offers impact and dynamism late in games and remains one of Farrell’s most flexible tools.

Earl’s versatility and relentless work rate make him ideal bench cover. With so many fringe players starting, it makes sense to use him in a role he’s mastered—coming on and raising the tempo when legs are tiring.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench will depend on how many minutes he logs in the first Test, but Mitchell is a sharp and inventive option either way. His tempo and sniping runs could open up tired defences.

Struggling with a concussion, he will be touch and go for the match.

Osborne is here as injury cover but could impress if given the chance. He can cover multiple positions across the backline, and his blend of size and skill gives Farrell flexibility. If Hansen isn’t ready, Osborne might well get another chance to shine.