A show of strength, and confidence, from Lions coach Warren Gatland.
The Lions will go into this weekend’s deciding Test match with New Zealand with the exact same squad of 23 players that did were victorious in Wellington. That means four Irish players are in the starting XV.
The front row remains Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Tadhg Furlong with Maro Itoje accompanying Alun Wyn Jones in the second row. Many had called for Courtney Lawes and Jack McGrath to replace Jones and Vunipola but Gatland is not having it.
Gatland has not meddled with his winning back row from last week, with captain Sam Warburton playing alongside Sean O’Brien and Toby Faletau.
The half backs remain the same, with Ireland’s Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton continuing on from the Second Test victory. Owen Farrell and Jonathan Davies are in midfield while Elliott Daly and Anthony Watson continue on the wings.
Liam Williams was an injury doubt after missing Wednesday training but he has been passed fit to play fullback.
Gatland commented:
“We felt we should reward the players for the result and the courage that they showed in coming from behind from 18-9 down, digging themselves out of a hole and then finishing strongly in that last 10 to 15 minutes.”
New Zealand have not lost back-to-back Tests at home since South Africa did the double over them in 1998.
Steve Hansen will have his team full charged and ready to blitz the tourists from the get-go at Eden Park. Following last weekend’s Lions victory at The Cake Tin, the AB’s will be taking on an altogether different beast.
The Third Test takes place at Eden Park, Auckland from 8:35am [GMT] on Saturday.
LIONS TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND
15. Liam Williams
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Owen Farrell
11. Elliott Daly
10. Jonathan Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Sam Warburton (capt)
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Toby Faletau
Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te’o, Jack Nowell.
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
