Owen Farrell and Henry Pollock injury update - possible replacements

Rugby News
Saturday, 05 July 2025 at 13:40
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The British & Irish Lions were dealt a late blow ahead of their win over the Waratahs, with Henry Pollock pulling out on matchday due to a tight calf.
The tourists still came away with the result, but it was another error-strewn performance — and the young flanker’s absence was clearly felt.
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Speaking after the game, head coach Andy Farrell confirmed Pollock’s injury isn’t serious and he could return to face the Brumbies on Wednesday.
However, Farrell also ruled out his son Owen, who only arrived in camp this week following his controversial call-up.
“He probably won't be involved,” Farrell told Sky Sports. “He's only been here one day and that’s too soon, especially with the jet lag.”
With just two warm-up games left before the Test team is named, missing the Brumbies clash could be a major setback to Owen’s chances of forcing his way in.
Finn Russell is expected to start at fly-half in Canberra, while Jack Conan is set to join Jac Morgan and Tom Curry in a powerful-looking back-row.

EDITORS PICKS:

“Mediocre” – Four Lions players who flopped against the Waratahs

Below, we pick out four Lions players who failed to impress in Sydney…

#1. Hugo Keenan

Telegraph 4/10: "Off the pace. A long-awaited first appearance started with a nearly costly drop and he missed a one-on-one tackle for the Waratahs’ first score."
RUCK 5/10: "Finally Keenan got his long awaited Lions debut after pulling out of Wednesday’s match due illness. But it was incredibly frustrating from him as early in the encounter he knocked the ball on and got bumped off by Darby Lancaster who scored the hosts’ first. No surprise that he was replaced early in the second half by Duhan van der Merwe."
Rugby Pass 5/10: "Making his Lions debut after having to withdraw from the victory over the Reds with an illness, and maybe showed a lack of match sharpness, which is unsurprising after also missing the end of Leinster’s United Rugby Championship campaign. Overran a Sione Tuipulotu pass and the home side pounced on the fumble in the early stages and spilt a few high balls. Slipped off a tackle on Darby Lancaster as the hosts scored their first try. Only given 50 minutes in his comeback, but will want another match to prove himself."
Planet Rugby 4/10: "The rustiness was clear to see with the full-back missing the end of Leinster’s season and was denied a Lions debut against the Queensland Reds due to illness. His inability to keep his breakfast down obviously impacted his time on the training paddock, and it showed. He was livid about his missed tackle on Darby Lancaster, and rightly so; he is usually better than that. Somewhat of a mare for the Irishman"
Replacement: James Lowe (move Blair Kinghorn to fullback)

#2. James Ryan

RUCK 5/10: "A little bit frantic early on misplacing catches did work well with Cowan-Dickie at lineout time.Made the odd big hit in defence but couldn’t replicate what his counterpart in the second row was doing and was replaced by Joe McCarthy early in the second half."
Planet Rugby 5/10: "Played his part in a functioning lineout and while he was abrasive in the rucks, he offered little else around the park and was hooked off early in the second half."
Telegraph 5/10: "Outshone by Cummings for most of the game despite one powerful tackle near the Lions try-line. Taken off early despite relatively few minutes on tour."

#3. Finlay Bealham

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Part of scrum that on the whole, got the better of the Waratahs but offered little around the park."
Replacement: Will Stuart

#4. Fin Smith

Telegraph 5/10: "With the spectre of Owen Farrell looming, he responded with a mediocre showing. Tried to force it in the second half, and that only made it worse."
Planet Rugby 5/10: "The arrival of Owen Farrell in the Lions squad has put the fly-halves on notice and with his first opportunity to impress, Smith struggled. The Waratahs managed to swim through the attack and put pressure on the playmaker and forced errors from him with many of his passes hitting the deck. Replaced before the final quarter with Marcus Smith given a run at fly-half. The pressure is on the number 10s, and today, Smith wilted"
Replacement: Finn Russell

EDITORS PICKS:

Can you name every member of the 2017 British and Irish Lions?

From thrilling tries to hard-fought battles against the All Blacks, this squad etched their names in rugby history by securing a memorable drawn series.
Think you know everything about this iconic group of players? Test your knowledge with our quiz and see if you're a true Lions fan! Whether you're a casual supporter or a rugby fanatic, it's time to roar with pride and prove your Lions IQ.
Get ready to dive into questions about the players, their clubs, and the unforgettable tour moments. Let’s kick off!
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