Murray Kinsella reports from Wellington
THE LIONS HAVE dropped Peter O’Mahony from their match day 23 for the second Test with the All Blacks on Saturday [KO 8.35am Irish time, Sky Sports] after he had captained the tourists during last weekend’s defeat to the Kiwis in Auckland.
Tour captain Sam Warburton comes into the starting XV and takes on the leadership role in O’Mahony’s place, while Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton and England lock Maro Itoje also come into the team.
Sexton’s introduction means Owen Farrell shifts into the 12 shirt, with Ben Te’o dropped to the bench, while Itoje takes over in the second row from George Kruis, who is also out of the match day 23.
Otherwise, Warren Gatland’s starting side is unchanged from the one that suffered a 30-15 loss to the All Blacks in the first Test.
Ireland’s CJ Stander is included on the bench, as is England lock Courtney Lawes. Jack Nowell takes over in the 23 shirt.
Lions (v All Blacks):
15. Liam Williams
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Owen Farrell
11. Elliot Daly
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Sam Warburton (captain)
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements:
16. Ken Owens
17. Jack McGrath
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Courtney Lawes
20. CJ Stander
21. Rhys Webb
22. Ben Te’o
23. Jack Nowell
Referee: Jerome Garces [FFR].
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