Six changes in personnel ahead of a massively tough test against New Zealand in Wellington.
Maro Itoje and Sam Warburton, who regains the captaincy, have been recalled to the Lions starting XV for the Second Test against the All Blacks.
Peter O’Mahony, who captained the Lions in the First Test, is dropped from the matchday squad entirely as Ireland back-row CJ Stander makes the bench, along with Courtney Lawes and Jack Nowell.
The big surprise is in the 10/12 axis, with Owen Farrell moved to inside centre to accommodate new Lions No.10 Johnny Sexton. Ben Te’o has to settle for a place on the replacements bench.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand named a fearsome XV themselves, with Waisake Naholo and Anton Lienert Brown coming into the backline.
The Lions also confirmed that both Robbie Henshaw [torn pectoral muscle] and George North [hamstring] would miss the remainder of the tour. With 45 already in the tour group and no midweek games left, the tourists are not expected to make any late additions.
LIONS TEAM
Liam Williams
Anthony Watson
Jonathan Davies
Owen Farrell
Elliot Daly
Johnny Sexton
Conor Murray
Mako Vunipola
Jamie George
Tadhg Furlong
Maro Itoje
Alun Wyn Jones
Sam Warburton (capt)
Sean O’Brien
Toby Faletau
Replacements:Â Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te’o, Jack Nowell.
