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Lions make three absolutely massive changes for Second Test against New Zealand

Published 01:42 29 Jun 2017 BST

Patrick McCarry
Lions make three absolutely massive changes for Second Test against New Zealand

Homerugby

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: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te'o, Jack Nowell.

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