Murray Kinsella reports from Auckland
FORMER IRELAND SCHOOLS international Oliver Jager has been named to start at tighthead prop for the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians against the Lions on Saturday in Whangerai [KO 8.35am Irish time, Sky Sports].
The 21-year-old front row made his third Super Rugby appearance for the competition-leading Crusaders last weekend against the Rebels, a 20-minute stint off the bench.
Jager will now get a chance to add another honour to his young career as he starts against the Lions in their tour opener at Toll Stadium.
Joining him in the Provincial Barbarians starting XV is out-half Bryn Gatland, the son of Lions head coach Warren.
The 22-year-old playmaker has been involved with the Blues this season, making his debut in Super Rugby, and represents the North Harbour provincial union on Saturday.
Other players to watch out for in Clayton McMillan’s side are fullback Luteru Laulala – younger brother of ex-Munster centre Casey – openside flanker Lachlan Boshier – who has played Super Rugby for the Chiefs – and flying wing pair Sevu Reece and Sam Vaka.
NZ Provincial Barbarians (v Lions):
15. Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau)
14. Sam Vaka (Counties Manukau)
13. Inga Finau (Canterbury)
12. Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato)
11. Sevu Reece (Waikato)
10. Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
9. Jack Stratton (Canterbury)
1. Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
2. Sam Anderson-Heather (Otago) (captain)
3. Oliver Jager (Canterbury)
4. Josh Goodhue (Northland)
5. Keepa Mewett (Bay of Plenty)
6. James Tucker (Waikato)
7. Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki)
8. Mitchell Dunshea (Canterbury)
Replacements:
16. Andrew Makalio (Tasman)
17. Tolu Fahamokioa (Wellington)
18. Marcel Renata (Auckland)
19. Matt Matich (Northland)
20. Peter Rowe – Vice Captain (Wanganui)
21. Richard Judd (Bay of Plenty)
22. Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay)
23. Junior Ngaluafe (Southland)
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