Lions vs First Nations and Pasifika XV: Kickoff, TV, Stream, Team News, Lineups, Odds Today

The British and Irish Lions Face Pasifika XV in Melbourne

The British and Irish Lions are set to play their final midweek match of the tour as they take on the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne today. This game serves as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Tests against Australia, with the Lions aiming to maintain their unbeaten record.

The Pasifika squad is composed of players from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Pacific Islands backgrounds. However, the team has faced some controversy due to its selection process. One notable issue involved Wallabies back-row player Pete Samu, who was initially named to the squad but later ruled ineligible. Samu, who has earned 33 caps for Australia, was removed because he did not meet the criteria of having played in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. He had previously played for Bordeaux before joining the Waratahs, which led to his exclusion.

Despite this setback, head coach Toutai Kefu remains optimistic about the team’s chances. He stated that while it is disappointing, the situation could serve as extra motivation for the players. “I still can't believe that they would do it, complain about it. I suppose it is what it is, but it's extra motivation for our boys,” Kefu said.

The match comes between the Lions’ first and second Tests against Australia. In the opening Test, the Lions secured a 19-27 victory over the Wallabies, entering halftime with a 12-point lead. With a strong performance so far, the Lions are looking to complete a whitewash in the three Tests. A win against the Pasifika XV could provide additional momentum heading into the next fixtures.

Match Details

The Lions vs. Pasifika XV match will be held today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The kick-off is scheduled for 11am BST, which translates to 8pm local time in Melbourne. The game will take place at the Marvel Stadium, which has a capacity of 53,343 spectators.

How to Watch the Match

For fans in the UK, live coverage of the match will be available on Sky Sports. The broadcast will start at 10am BST on Tuesday morning on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. Subscribers can also watch the game online via the Sky Go app or through NOW. Additionally, fans can follow the action in real-time through a live blog provided by Standard Sport.

Team News and Lineups

The Lions have made several changes for this match, with Owen Farrell making his first start of the tour at centre. Fin Smith will start at fly-half, and Ben White from Scotland has also been included in the lineup. Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn are expected to make strong performances to secure spots in the Test team.

In the pack, Jac Morgan and Henry Pollock have been given the opportunity to impress, while Jamie George starts after a late call-up. Marcus Smith and Alex Mitchell, who came off the bench in the first Test, are among the replacements.

The Pasifika XV includes experienced players such as Kurtley Beale, who has returned from a hamstring injury. After the removal of Pete Samu, a new back row featuring Charlie Gamble, Tuaina Taii Tualima, and Seru Uru has been selected. Rob Leota, a 31-cap Wallaby, is also on the bench.

Historical Context and Predictions

This will be the first meeting between the British and Irish Lions and the Pasifika XV. While the Lions are expected to dominate, the Pasifika squad brings significant international experience, with players accumulating 278 caps in total. Despite this, the Lions are likely to come out on top, with a predicted margin of 12+ points.

Match Odds

The odds for the match reflect the Lions' strong position, with them being heavily favored to win. The current odds are:

• Lions to win: 1/100
• Pasifika XV to win: 45/1
• Draw: 50/1

These odds are subject to change and are available via Betfair.