Dan Sheehan will captain the British and Irish Lions on his debut against Western Force on Saturday, with head coach Andy Farrell making 13 changes from their last game.

The Lions suffered a 28-24 defeat to Argentina in their tour opener last Friday in Dublin, with only Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne retaining their places.

Sheehan, who takes the armband from Maro Itoje, who is not included in the matchday squad, is one of five debutants in the line-up for their first match in Australia, with Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier also included from the start.

Northampton's Henry Pollock is also handed his first start at number eight, after making a substitute appearance against Argentina, with Tomos Williams also rewarded in the nine jersey after a fine cameo.

Farrell has also opted to go with a new midfield combination, lining up Ringrose alongside Tuipulotu.

Ready to captain the Lions on his debut in red! #Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/hsZW2gwIGq

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 26, 2025

"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."

When asked about his chance to be captain, Sheehan told reporters: "It's a massive privilege and honour. At the start of the week, I was just focusing on doing every I could to prepare for putting the red jersey on for the first time.

"You look around the room, and there are so many individuals that are more than capable of captaining this team, that eases the nerves a little bit.

"I don't have to make it difficult; I just have to be myself and do what I usually do because that is what got me here."

Lions team in full: Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe, Finn Russell, Tomos Williams; Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock. Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Alex Mitchell, Huw Jones, Marcus Smith.