The Albany Gazette - Ireland's Sheehan to captain new-look Lions against Force

Head coach Andy Farrell retained just two players for Saturday's clash from the side that started the shock 28-24 loss to Argentina in Dublin last week -- flanker Tadhg Beirne and centre Sione Tuipulotu.

Among those rested is tour captain Maro Itoje, who led the side against the Pumas.

Farrell has opted to make full use of his squad in the first of nine tour matches, including Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

He was without the bulk of his Leinster players against Argentina and they feature heavily against Simon Cron's Force, with nine in the matchday 23.

Five starters will be making their Lions debut, as will four on the bench.

"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," said Farrell.

"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."

Sheehan will start alongside Pierre Schoeman and Tadhg Furlong in the front row, with Scott Cummings and Joe McCarthy rounding out the tight five.

The back row consists of Beirne, Josh van der Flier and young star Henry Pollock.

"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," added Farrell.

On their 2013 Tour, the Lions ran out 69-17 winners against Force.

British and Irish Lions (15-1):

Elliot Daly; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Tomos Williams; Henry Pollock, Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne; Joe McCarthy, Scott Cummings; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Pierre Schoeman

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Alex Mitchell, Huw Jones, Marcus Smith

(M.Scott--TAG)