Owen Farrell handed major role ahead of British and Irish Lions midweek clash against First Nations & Pasifika XV

Owen Farrell has been named as captain of the Lions for their midweek game against the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

It will be the first time the Englishman has skippered an international team since the 2023 World Cup.

He will start in the No 12 jersey for the game in Melbourne, where full-back Blair Kinghorn will also return from injury in a bid to feature in the second Test.

In total, there are 20 changes to the matchday squad that beat the Wallabies in the first Test, with Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith featuring on the bench.

Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock will form a competitive back-row, with an opportunity to force themselves into Test contention following the injury to Joe McCarthy.

‘This fixture gives players another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two Tests,’ said head coach Andy Farrell.

Owen Farrell (pictured) is set to captain the British and Irish Lions during their midweek clash against First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday 

Andy Farrell (pictured) will make 20 changes to the squad that beat the Wallabies on Saturday, with Blair Kinghorn also set to return from injury 

‘The coaches’ minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places and we want that to continue for the remaining two Tests.

‘This group know the level of performance that we will require against a First Nations Pasifika team that is packed with talent and power.’

In the pack, England’s Jamie George will make his first appearance since joining up with the squad, with late call-ups Darcy Graham, Jamie Osborne and Ben White also named in the starting XV.

Fin Smith has been named at No 10, with giant Scottish winger Duhan van der Merwe completing the backline.

Pierre Schoeman and Finlay Bealham start in the prop berths, in front of a lock pairing of James Ryan and Scott Cummings.