Beirne backs Farrell to boost Lions after controversial call-up

New South Wales Waratahs v British and Irish Lions

Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Date: Saturday, 5 July Kick-off: 11:00 BST

Coverage: Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

Owen Farrell's arrival on tour will lift the whole British and Irish Lions squad, says flanker Tadhg Beirne.

Farrell, 33, has been called up to replace the injured Elliot Daly, but lacks form and match fitness after an injury-interrupted season at French side Racing 92.

The decision by head coach Andy Farrell, Owen's father, to overlook the likes of Scotland's Tom Jordan and Darcy Graham, has attracted criticism.

But Beirne, who will captain the Lions in their match against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, says Farrell's leadership and experience of three previous tours will strengthen the tourists ahead of the Test series against Australia.

"He's only going to bring some serious quality to the squad, so we're looking forward to inviting him in here and getting to hang out with him," said Beirne.

"Any type of leadership is only going to enhance the squad. Playing with him four years ago, I've seen all the leadership qualities that he brings, the quality of his talent as well. It's going to do nothing but boost the squad, for sure."

Daly, along with captain Maro Itoje and prop Tadhg Furlong, was one of three players in the initial squad to have played on two previous tours.

He is the second player to leave the tour injured after Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams pulled a hamstring while diving in to score a try in the win over Queensland Reds.

Beirne said that England back Daly had signed off in style.

"Gutted to see him go," said Beirne.

"We knew because he came in on Wednesday evening and showed everyone the x-ray and we knew his tour was over at that point.

"He's been such an invaluable player for the Lions. Elliot actually got to announce the team which was a very cool moment. Something that probably hadn't been done before.

"He did it in typical Elliot fashion. He brought a bit of craic to it as well. It was a nice way to see him off."

Scotland centre Huw Jones is the only player in the line-up to face the Waratahs to have also started the win over the Reds three days before.

"That is the ultimate goal for everyone here – to play in those Tests and the only way to do that is to play well in all these games leading up to it," added Beirne.

"If you are not producing in these games you are not giving yourself a fighting chance. Everyone has to put their best foot forward."

The Lions will have only two more tour games – against the Brumbies and an invitational Australian and New Zealand XV on 9 and 12 July respectively – before their first Test against the Wallabies on 19 July.