The British and Irish Lions remain unbeaten since arriving in Australia after a scratchy win over a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne.
With the second Test against the Wallabies at the MCG this weekend looming large, a much-changed Lions side failed to take their opportunity to impress in a sloppy performance, with the home side providing strong and spirited opposiotion. Farrell risked few of those likely to be involved in the attempt to seal the series against Australia on Saturday, and the
The First Nations & Pasifika side is formed from some of the top performers in Super Rugby Pacific, and celebrates the heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities as well as the Pacific Island diaspora in Australia. They brought the physicality to leave things level at half time, but the Lions are beginning to pull away in the second half.
Follow all of the latest from Marvel Stadium with our live blog below:
Lions vs First Nations & Pasifika
- Lions edge First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne
- Owen Farrell leads the Lions to victory but few Test hopefuls stake claims
- Tourists are 1-0 up in the Test series against Australia with Saturday's clash at the MCG looming
Post Match Reaction: Slow start and frantic at times
13:37 , Michael CookeLions Captain Farrell: “It was probably too tight, massive credit must go to them because they came out and fired into us.”
“We got a great foothold in the last 60 minutes, thankful we got the job done.”
“It was frantic at times, if we could have been calmer then we could have settled into what we do better. After we regrouped at half-time we managed to be more direct but they found their way back into the game.”
Post Match Reaction: Former Lions Captain Sam Warburton gives his thoughts
13:25 , Michael Cooke“Most of the guys are walking off unscathed and that means for the next 10 days they can all prepare for the Tests as one team.”
“There are no midweek games, so preparation will be much more streamlined moving forward.”
Post Match Reaction: Captain Owen Farrell says there is more to come on tour
13:22 , Michael CookeCaptain Owen Farrell feels there is more to come from his team on this tour. With the final game before the 2nd test now completed, how much more can the Lions give?
Farrell said “I enjoyed being out there tonight, it’s a great tour to be a part of. It’s been good so far but there is more to come, with two big, massive games to come”.
Scrappy Lions overcome spirited First Nations & Pasifika XV but Test hopefuls fluff lines
13:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Marvel StadiumOne cannot really say that this was a night upon which Andy Farrell was given a heap of fresh selection headaches. The likelihood always was that the British and Irish Lions boss would keep continuity between first and second Tests but given a midweek opportunity to impress, few of those on the fringes really forced his hand. This was a scratchy, scrappy and surprisingly spirited affair in which the Lions were given plenty to think about by a First Nations & Pasifika XV formed at short notice but carrying the pride of the many communities they were assembled to represent.
The Lions remain unbeaten since arriving in Australia yet if this was a final audition for most of those selected, it would be fair to say they fluffed their lines. Perhaps that was to be expected given the curious look to the tourists’ matchday, the rat-a-tat-tat of injury and training call-ups over the last fortnight giving them even more of a makeshift look than usual.
Scrappy Lions overcome spirited First Nations & Pasifika as Test hopefuls fluff lines
FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 British and Irish Lions
13:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Marcus Smith off with a head injury
12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Marvel StadiumHarry Latham-Coyle at Marvel Stadium: “Now then - this may be something to monitor looking ahead to the second Test. Marcus Smith has gone down the tunnel for a head injury assessment. If he were to fail it, that would be his chances of featuring on Saturday over, necessitating a new bench fly half at the MCG. Owen Farrell has probably had the tidier night than Fin Smith - Andy Farrell will be hoping Smith M comes through alright, though.”
TRY! First Nations & Pasifika 19-24 Lions, 72 minutes
12:44 , Michael CookeFirst Nations & Pacifika not down and out yet! A late score with the kick to come makes for an exciting finish in this game.
Lions will be questioning their durability and fitness as they look to close the game out.
TRY Van De Murwe! First Nations & Pasifika 14-24 Lions, 64 minutes
12:36 , Michael CookeLovely soft hands from the 10-12 axis of Fin Smith and Owen Farrell to manipulate the defence of First Nations & Pacifika. Momentum looking more in the Lions favour after a great finish in the corner from the Scottish international.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-19 Lions, 62 minutes
12:33 , Michael CookeThe Lions struggling to break the spirits of a resilient Pacifika side as we enter the final quarter of this game.
High ball contests in the air and strong defence from the hosts making life difficult for the Lions who will be frustrated at their missed opportunities.
Jamie Osborne impresses
12:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Marvel StadiumHarry Latham-Coyle at the Marvel Stadium: “There is so much to like about Jamie Osborne as a player, the Leinster back capable anywhere from 12 outwards and rather unfortunate, you’d say, not to get more of a run with Ireland over the last 12 months after a standout showing on debut at full-back in South Africa. It’s too late for him to make a run at a Test shirt on this tour having been a late call-up but surely more opportunities will soon come in Irish green.”
TRY! Try Jamie Osborne (45 min) First Nations & Pasifika 14-19 Lions
12:13 , Michael CookeA slick maul move see’s the ball moved wide efficiently to Jamie Osborne for his second of the game. Lions lead by one converted score.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 44 minutes
12:11 , Michael CookeA free play comes to nothing and Fin Smith finds the corner flag with a Lions penalty. Lions looking for another score here with a maul inside the Pacifika 22.
Second Half Underway
12:09 , Michael CookeLions kick-off deep and First Nations Pacifika look to clear from a tight angle box kick, penalty for an ambitious Lions charge down but the ref deems it offside. First lineout of this second half for First Nations Pacifika.
HALF TIME: First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions
11:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 40 minutes
11:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleGlorious fun! A fittingly madcap passage to end a hectic half that contained just as much bad as good. The Lions threaten on the edge and then throw a midfield intercept, with Blair Kinghorn the guilty party again in allowing the First Nations & Pasifika to launch one last offensive. Away to the right they play after Jack Debreczeni runs out of steam, and Triston Reilly grubbers ahead. Owen Farrell ensures, however, that he cannot chase having committed himself to the tackle before the wing kicked, and Duhan van der Merwe (just about) corrals the bouncing ball to dot down and send everyone down the tunnel.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 40 minutes
11:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis has got pretty shoddy from the Lions. A lineout misfire is followed by a retreating Jamie Osborne fumbling a clearing punt into touch. Fortunately, the work of Jac Morgan at the breakdown earns a penalty with a clearing player in from the side, but this isn’t the sort of performance that will cause Andy Farrell to tinker too much with his Test team.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 38 minutes
11:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleA chance squandered for the Lions. Fin Smith probes the right corner from a penalty and Jamie George looks to assemble a maul, but it runs aground quickly. Taniela Tupou one of those doing some detonating work at the heart of it. Scrum, First Nations & Pasifika XV.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 35 minutes
11:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleSnatched in the slips! Good work from Jamie George, a keen cricketer, as he thrusts two hands out and snares an errant pass from home scrum half Charlie Gamble. The Lions needed that - after that fast start, we presumed they might pull away but the First Nations & Pasifika XV have shown real fight.
James Ryan is back from the bin.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 34 minutes
11:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleMighty! That’s a proper scrum working over for the seven-man Lions pack, driven backward at a rate of knots virtually into the Docklands that adjoin Marvel Stadium. Kurtley Beale punts the penalty down to about 15 metres from the Lions’ line.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 32 minutes
11:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe First Nations & Pasifika side are up for this now. Every Lions error is being greeted by hollering and whooping, Seru Uru might have felt himself unfortunate not to be closer to the Wallabies Test team last week given the injury to fellow flanker Rob Valetini - he’s having a good half here.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 29 minutes
11:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleOf all the players to feature on this tour, the one who might have advanced their reputation the most is Charlie Gamble. The openside was outstanding for the Waratahs as they stymied the Lions and he’s just won a trademark breakdown turnover here to help his side out of a bit of bother with the Lions putting the pressure on.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 28 minutes
11:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleJamie Osborne is showing his versatility. The Irishman has pushed out to the wing from centre after the loss of Darcy Graham, but is used as a midfield kick retriever to try and break a stalemate in a period of phases, getting up above Kurtley Beale but not quite managing to cling on. Osborne feels like a figure who could be a genuine Test contender in four years time.
Meanwhile, Seru Uru and Henry Pollock are the latest pair to go tete-a-tete in a tetchy first half-hour. Uru eventually forces the smaller man to the ground - we know Pollock won’t back down.
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 26 minutes
11:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s been pretty lively stuff, this. There are some properly meaty collisions out there, Pierre Schoeman taking a tonk in contact in the latest Lions passage. There looks to be space on the edges for the Lions to work to but, down a man, they can’t quite find it.
TRY! FIRST NATIONS & PASIFIKA 14-14 Lions (Seru Uru, 23 minutes)
11:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd there it is! The First Nations & Pasifika XV are level in a flash, Seru Uru providing the telling bit of biff from close range with the Lions all at sea.
And to compound matters for the tourists, James Ryan is off to the sin bin! A yellow card for one of those offences in the build-up - this has been a shocking five minutes.
First Nations & Pasifika 7-14 Lions, 21 minutes
11:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot the Lions’ best period, this. Fin Smith takes the restart quickly but boots it too long, gifting the home side a scrum on halfway, out of which they extract a penalty. Into the Lions’ 22 they kick - and two more penalties soon come.
With advantage, they’ll hunt a second score...
TRY! FIRST NATIONS & PASIFIKA 7-14 Lions (Triston Reilly, 19 minutes)
11:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleSomething from nothing to get the First Nations & Pasifika side going! It’s a dreadful moment from Blair Kinghorn, hurling a risky pass out to the left and having it plucked by Triston Reilly, back amongst things after his spell on the naughty step and hustling under the posts.
First Nations & Pasifika 0-14 Lions, 18 minutes
11:25 , Harry Latham-CoylePoor Darcy Graham. His parents have flown all the way down for this game. The Scotland wing looks to be in tears.
First Nations & Pasifika 0-14 Lions, 17 minutes
11:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleMuch more like it from the home side, thumping up on the gainline to force an error. But this is bad news for the Lions - Darcy Graham, who spoke with such pride yesterday about what it means to be a Lion despite his late call-up, is limping off. Garry Ringrose is on, patting an emotional Graham as he replaces him - a real shame for the Scot, who had at least snared a score.
First Nations & Pasifika 0-14 Lions, 15 minutes
11:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA fast start from the British and Irish Lions here in Melbourne, with Owen Farrell at the heart of the creation of two tries. It’s been a nightmarish opening for the scratch side, with Triston Reilly sent to the sin bin and Filipo Daugunu gone for the game, it seems, after taking a bang to the head.
First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions match officials
10:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
Can Jac Morgan stake a claim?
10:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Marvel StadiumJac Morgan was one of those particularly unfortunate to miss out entirely on the first Test, and may well find himself sidelined again at the MCG on Saturday. The flanker, the last remaining Welshman on tour, has a little bit of strapping on his leg and was late to join the rest of the Lions squad in the warm-up - it doesn’t look an issue of particular severity and Morgan will be hoping for a good outing.
Lions assistant Simon Easterby urges squad to stake a Test claim
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhile the likelihood is that the Lions team for the second Test looks similar to the first, assistant coach Simon Easterby has made it clear to those involved at Marvel Stadium tonight that there could be spots up for grabs.
“They know that there's an opportunity,” Easterby said yesterday. “They know that every time they get an opportunity to perform.
“I believe that the group is so competitive at the moment. You genuinely could put out a team of 15 players, a different team, and the quality and the standard of that performance won't dip. Everyone brings their own individual strengths to this group, but certainly the connectivity and being the best teammates they can be has showed out across the last few weeks.
“I don't think it will be any different, with the prize potentially of being involved in the second or third Test.”
Taniela Tupou 'at peace' if tonight is last game in Australia
10:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleTaniela Tupou starts at tighthead for the First Nations & Pasifika team tonight in what could be the prop’s final outing on home soil. Tupou is off to Racing 92 next season having fallen down the Wallabies pecking order in the last couple of years.
"Look, I'm here having fun, enjoying it, whatever happens, happens," Tupou said of his Test future.
"So if I'm back, I'm back and if not, I'm living life, I'm enjoying it.
"Just play my footy tomorrow and then see what happens after that ... hopefully I will play again, if not, then I'm at peace with it."
Owen Farrell opens up on his Lions return, social media ‘poison’ and new-found perspective
10:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSitting down to chat to Owen Farrell yesterday, it was impossible to shake a sense of a different character to the one who left England for France last summer. The move to Racing 92 may not have worked out but it feels like Farrell may have found a new perspective as he bids to enjoy every moment of his fourth Lions tour.
Owen Farrell opens up on his Lions return and social media ‘poison’
Team news - British and Irish Lions
10:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions are led by Owen Farrell, with the Englishman stationed at inside centre outside of compatriot Fin Smith. Only three of those involved in the first Test back up as Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith retain bench spots in what is an otherwise new-look Lions side.
Blair Kinghorn, who starts at full-back, and Garry Ringrose, set to feature off the bench, are welcome returnees from injury. Jamie George, Jamie Osborne, Darcy Graham, Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Tom Clarkson and Gregor Brown are all in line for their first appearances of the tour after being called up to the squad.
British and Irish Lions XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Jamie George, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Jac Morgan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Henry Pollock; 9 Ben White, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Owen Farrell (capt.), 13 Jamie Osborne, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Tom Clarkson, 19 Gregor Brown, 20 Ben Earl; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Garry Ringrose.
Ready for our final midweek match of the Tour! 🙌#Lions2025
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 21, 2025
Team news - First Nations & Pasifika XV
10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe First Nations & Pasifika side is captained by fly half Kurtley Beale, who gets a shot at Lions redemption 12 years on from his untimely slip in the first Test. Beale is back fit after missing an outing for the Western Force earlier in the tour through injury. He steers a side that blends some of Australian rugby’s in-form Super Rugby Pacific stars with a couple of additions from the Fijian Drua on the bench.
Pete Samu may be unavailable but it’s still a strong back row group named by Toutai Kefu, with Charlie Gamble very good for the Waratahs earlier in the tour and the explosive Rob Leota on the bench. Tighthead Taniela Tupou and wing Filipo Daugunu have been released from Wallabies camp to feature.
First Nations & Pasifika XV: 1 Lington Ieli, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Darcy Swain, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; 6 Seru Uru, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima; 9 Kalani Thomas, 10 Kurtley Beale (capt.); 11 Filipo Daugunu, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 14 Triston Reilly; 15 Andy Muirhead.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Rob Leota; 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Jarrah McLeod.
Your First Nations & Pasifika XV to take on The Lions 🔥
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) July 20, 2025
The team celebrates our First Nations peoples, Samoan, Fijian, Tongan, Māori, and Cook Island cultures that contribute so greatly to the fabric of Australian rugby.#LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/D2JCIVzveW
Pete Samu leaves First Nations & Pasifika squad as Lions embroiled in eligibility row
09:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack to tonight, then, and we’ll take a closer look at the two teams in a moment. First, though, a player who won’t be involved - Pete Samu was with the First Nations & Pasifika squad last week and even had his headshot taken, before being ruled ineligible for the fixture having not player in Super Rugby Pacific last season. It all rather seems unnecessary but rules, it seems, are rules.
Samu leaves Pasifika squad as Lions embroiled in eligibility row on eve of first Test
Wales finally appoint new head coach as Steve Tandy announced as Warren Gatland replacement
09:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleAway from the Lions briefly, and Wales finally have a new head coach: Steve Tandy was always a strong contender for the role and has been appointed as Warren Gatland’s permanent successor.
British and Irish Lions squad: Player-by-player guide
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleKeeping track of all of those called up is quite the exercise - luckily, our player-by-player guide to the Lions squad has you covered:
Lions call up Scotland lock as squad grows again
09:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a bloated group training with the British and Irish Lions at Melbourne’s Xavier College this week, neither of Mack Hansen nor Joe McCarthy able to be involved yesterday but 43 squad members up on their feet and about with the tourists preparing both for tonight’s action and Saturday’s second Test. Gregor Brown, the Scotland lock, is the latest call-up:
Lions call up Scotland lock ahead of second Test as squad grows again
Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu relishing Melbourne homecoming
09:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleRob Valetini was a teammate growing up of Sione Tuipulotu, the Melburnian centre now at the heart of the British and Irish Lions squad. It’s going to be an emotional and fulfilling week for Tuipulotu as he catches up with family and friends:
Sione Tuipulotu: ‘It’s crazy that the Lions can close out the series in my hometown’
Australia star Rob Valetini ‘good to go’ for second Test in huge boost for Wallabies
09:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was good news, too, from Wallabies camp yesterday - Rob Valetini has declared himself “good to go” and is in line to bolster the back row at the MCG this weekend in his home city.
Australia star Rob Valetini ‘good to go’ for second Test in huge boost for Wallabies
Three ways the Wallabies can fight back after first Test defeat to Lions
08:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll is not lost for Australia, with the Wallabies taking plenty of heart from the spirit showed in their second-half fightback. Here are three key areas they’ll be looking to target to fight back into the series:
Three ways the Wallabies can fight back after first Test defeat to Lions
How Tadhg Beirne responded to selection 'pressure'
08:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleTadhg Beirne was in an honest mood post-match, admitting that he had heard the noise around him and that he hadn’t been at his best on tour. A word in the ear from Andy Farrell helped focus the mind, too...
How Beirne responded to selection ‘pressure’ with statement first Test performance
Andy Farrell hails back row 'big game players' after first Test win
08:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleAny questions about the selection of Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne on the flanks were answered rather emphatically by the pair, among the tourists’ best in Brisbane:
Farrell hails ‘big game players’ Curry and Beirne after flankers star in first Test
How the Lions’ half-backs seized control of Test series against Australia
08:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll build up to tonight’s action in a bit, but let’s begin with a look back at the first Test, when Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell were excellent in controlling affairs as the Lions went 1-0 up in the series:
How the Lions’ half-backs seized control of Test series against Australia
Owen Farrell to captain Lions against First Nations & Pasifika XV
08:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleOwen Farrell will captain the British and Irish Lions in their midweek clash with a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne.
Farrell, called up earlier in the tour to replace Elliot Daly, leads a much-changed Lions side for the Tuesday night encounter at Marvel Stadium, with head coach Andy Farrell electing not to risk most of those involved in the first Test.
Blair Kinghorn gets an opportunity to stake a claim for the full-back shirt after overcoming a knee injury, while Garry Ringrose is back involved on the bench after a concussion.
Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith retain bench spots from the win over the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, while Scottish lock Gregor Brown is named in the 23 just two days after being summoned to join the squad.
Owen Farrell to captain Lions against First Nations & Pasifika XV
Lions vs First Nations & Pasifika XV
Monday 21 July 2025 23:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe first Test has been won, the second is looming large but tonight the British and Irish Lions must flip their focus to a midweek meeting with a dangerous First Nations & Pasifika side. The last non-Test outing of the tour sees Andy Farrell install son Owen as skipper and risk few of those involved at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday - but could one or two of those on show stake a claim for second Test involvement?
Kick off is at 11am BST.
