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Payne starts at fullback as Lions captain Warburton returns

The Ulsterman is joined by Ireland team-mates Rory Best, Iain Henderson, CJ Stander and Robbie Henshaw.

Murray Kinsella reports from Dunedin

JARED PAYNE HAS been named at fullback in the Lions’ team to face the Highlanders on Tuesday [KO 8.35am Irish time, Sky Sports], having started at outside centre in his previous appearance on this tour against the Blues last week.

It’s an intriguing positional switch for Payne as Warren Gatland casts an eye over another option in the 15 shirt, while the Lions coach will also be happy to welcome captain Sam Warburton back from an ankle injury.

Jared Payne scores a try that was later disallowed Payne almost scored against the Blues last week. Photosport / Peter Meecham/INPHO Photosport / Peter Meecham/INPHO / Peter Meecham/INPHO

Payne is joined by fellow Ulstermen Rory Best and Iain Henderson in the starting XV for Tuesday night’s clash in Dunedin, as Robbie Henshaw gets a chance to impress in the 12 shirt and CJ Stander starts at number eight.

Dan Biggar returns from concussion to join Ospreys team-mate Rhys Webb in the halfbacks, while Jack Nowell, Tommy Seymour and Jonathan Joseph all get opportunities in the backline.

James Haskell will make a return to his former club in the back row alongside Stander and Warburton, with Courtney Lawes partnering Henderson in the second row and Best combining with Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler in the front row.

Jack McGrath provides loosehead cover on a bench that also includes Owen Farrell, who was impressive against the Crusaders on Saturday night.

Lions (v Highlanders):

15. Jared Payne
14. Jack Nowell
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Tommy Seymour
10. Dan Biggar
9. Rhys Webb

1. Joe Marler
2. Rory Best
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Courtney Lawes
5. Iain Henderson
6. James Haskell
7. Sam Warburton (captain)
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:

16. Ken Owens
17. Jack McGrath
18. Dan Cole
19. Alun Wyn Jones
20. Justin Tipuric
21. Greig Laidlaw
22. Owen Farrell
23. Elliot Daly

Referee: Angus Gardner [ARU].

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