Appointed captain by his own father, Owen Farrell got more than he bargained for as he led the British & Irish Lions to a shaky win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV (FNP) in his first full match on the tour of Australia.

Returning full-back Blair Kinghorn, who had started superbly joining attacking moves and under the high ball, made an error as his pass was intercepted by Tristan Reilly, who, having just stepped back onto the pitch after an early sin-bin, ran in unopposed to turn the tide.

Players from across Australia and the Pacific gave the British and Irish Lions a scare last night in a fierce and tight-fought match, but for a team that came together only a week ago, it was about more than just the score.

Kurtley Beale says the performance of the inaugural First Nations and Pasifika team against the mighty British and Irish Lions shows the concept deserves a regular stage.

A First Nations and Pasifika side – riled by the absence of ineligible flanker Peter Samu and inspired by the coming together of cultures – will have provided plenty for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to ponder before the second Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

Lions vs Pasifika XV takes place Tuesday July 22, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 11am BST. That is 8pm local time. The test will be held at the 53,343-capacity Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. TV channel: Live coverage of the First Test is available via Sky Sports, who have exclusive broadcasting rights to the Lions tour in the UK this summer.

BRISBANE -- Ireland great and British and Irish Lions assistant Jonny Sexton has defended the "rules and regulations" that have prevented Pete Samu from playing in next week's First Nations-Pasifika game, as a little extra spice was added to the first Test in Brisbane.

Samu had been due to feature for the invitational team in Melbourne next week but has been ruled ineligible for the game