British and Irish Lions vs Western Force: Henry Pollock, Finn Russell start

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England back-row Henry Pollock and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell headline a strong British and Irish Lions side to face the Western Force on Saturday.

As expected, coach Andy Farrell has made wholesale changes to the side that lost to Argentina last Friday, with Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne the only survivors in the starting XV, although Beirne moves from lock to blindside flanker.

Pierre Schoeman and Tadgh Furlong start at prop, while Irish hooker Dan Sheehan has been named captain for the game.

Scott Cummings and Joe McCarthy form the locking partnership, while Beirne, Pollock and Josh van der Flier make up the back-row.

Welsh scrum-half Tomos Williams gets the chance to start after impressing from the bench against Argentina, with Russell alongside him in the No. 10 jersey.

Tuipulotu is partnered by Garry Ringrose in the midfield.

James Lowe, Elliot Daly and Mack Hansen make up the back three.

“We have had a good week of training and all of the travel and time zone changes have been managed really well, so we are good to go,” Farrell said.

“Dan Sheehan gets the opportunity to lead the side against Western Force, which is a great honour for him and his family — so congratulations to Dan as he captains the side on his Lions debut.

“We know the quality and experience the Force have and the opportunity to play against the Lions always brings out special performances from the Super Rugby sides, so we expect them to be at their best.”

20-year-old Pollock was picked for the tour by Farrell after a breakout season, having earned his first England cap — where he scored two tries off the bench against Wales — and impressing for club side Northampton.

Russell is one of several players who joined the squad late after completing their URC and Premiership seasons. He is widely expected to start in the Tests against the Wallabies, and gets his first chance to cement his spot on Saturday.

The bench brings in more new faces, with Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan and Huw Jones set for their first taste of Lions action this year.

Ronan Kelleher, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith make up the 23 having also played in Dublin last week.

Kick off is 11 a.m. BST and 6 p.m. local time in Perth.