Peter O’Mahony is the captain. What an honour but, my, how it’s deserved.
Warren Gatland’s men take on the All Blacks on Saturday morning (8.35am Irish time) and the Lions starting team has been named.
Along with skipper O’Mahony, three other Irish men make the starting 15 in Tadhg Furlong, Sean O’Brien and Conor Murray.
Johnny Sexton is on the bench.
“We’ve picked a team that we think our capable of going and playing some exciting rugby,” Gatland said.
“There’s a nice blend and balance and Peter at captain – he captained the side against the Maoris and did a good job.”
As suspected, Sam Warburton doesn’t make the 15 but he is named as a sub.
A couple of big surprises include Leigh Halfpenny being dropped for Liam Williams whilst Maro Itoje has also been overlooked for a starting place in favour of Alun Wyn Jones.
📽️ TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 📽️
The 23 Lions to face @AllBlacks at Eden Park are…
More info 👉 https://t.co/ENw5WSmxJk#NZLvBIL#LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/zEdjQbyn8H
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 21, 2017
BRITISH & IRISH LIONS MATCHDAY 23
15. Liam Williams
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Ben Te’o
11. Elliot Daly
10. Owen Farrell
9. Conor Murray
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. George Kruis
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements
16. Ken Owens, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Maro Itjoe, 20. Sam Warburton, 21. Rhys Webb, 22. Johnny Sexton, 23. Leigh Halfpenny
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