Owen returns for impressive Lions

OWEN Farrell made his first appearance on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia but it was the player he replaced, Huw Jones who lit up a 48-0 victory over an AUNZ Invitational XV.

- DUNCAN BECH

The Lions delivered their most emphatic win a week out from the first Test against the Wallabies in an eight-try demolition at Adelaide Oval that was marred only by a head injury to Luke Cowan-Dickie.

Cowan-Dickie was forced off after appearing to be knocked out when making a tackle and while he was seen walking around the field at halftime, he will face a spell on the sidelines that may force the Lions to call up additional cover at hooker.

And given that Garry Ringrose may miss the series opener because of suspected concussion, Jones timed his swashbuckling reminder of his threat from outside centre to perfection.

The Scotland star was not among the try-scorers - Duhan van der Merwe took star billing on that front with a hat-trick - but he repeatedly carved AUNZ open to show he is ready to start in Brisbane next Saturday.