Context:

Dan Sheehan has been appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions for their opening match against the Western Force in Perth, Australia. This game marks the Lions' first fixture on Australian soil, with several players making their debut, including Sheehan's Leinster teammates Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier. Head coach Andy Farrell has had to adapt his team selection due to injuries, leading to Elliot Daly starting at full-back and Tomos Williams taking the scrum-half position. Finn Russell is set to make his starting debut for the Lions, while Tadhg Beirne and Sione Tuipulotu are adjusting to new positions on the team. The squad includes a mixture of experienced players and newcomers, with some debutants also coming off the bench during the match.

Dive Deeper:

• Dan Sheehan will lead the British and Irish Lions as captain in their first game on Australian soil against the Western Force, signifying a significant milestone in his rugby career.

• The starting lineup features five debutants from Leinster, among which are Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier, alongside Sheehan, emphasizing the club's contribution to the Lions.

• Andy Farrell is facing squad adjustments due to the absence of injured players Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan, prompting Elliot Daly to start at full-back and Tomos Williams to assume the role of scrum-half.

• Finn Russell will experience his first start with the Lions, having previously only come off the bench, while Tadhg Beirne and Sione Tuipulotu are transitioning to new positions, adding a strategic dimension to the team dynamics.

• Additional Lions debutants include Ollie Chessum, Huw Jones, Andrew Porter, and Will Stuart, who are expected to bring fresh energy and versatility to the squad when they appear off the bench.

• Henry Pollock, a young player from Northampton, is set to make his first start following his substitute appearance against Argentina, highlighting the team's blend of youth and experience.

• The match against Western Force is covered live on the BBC Sport website and app, offering fans the chance to follow the Lions' progress during their Australian tour.