O’Mahony to lead Lions against All Blacks

Peter O’Mahony will captain the British & Irish Lions against New Zealand in the first Test in Auckland on Saturday.
Ireland flanker O’Mahony, who led the Lions in the victory over the Maori All Blacks last Saturday, will start at blindside alongside Sean O’Brien and Taulupe Faletau meaning there is only place on the bench for tour captain Sam Warburton.
Owen Farrell has recovered from is quad injury and starts at fly-half ahead of Johnny Sexton.
Conor Murray is at scrum-half while Ben Te’o and Jonathan Davies are named in midfield.
Following their impressive attacking display against the Chiefs on Tuesday, Liam Williams and Elliot have been retained at full-back and left wing respectively – Anthony Watson is on the right wing.
The tight five is the same that beat the Crusaders two weeks ago with Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Tadgh Furlong in the front row and Alun Wyn Jones and George Kruis in the engine room.
Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “We have picked a side based on form with a lot of players putting their hands up, especially from the Crusaders and Maori All Blacks games, and it was a lively selection meeting.
“The win against the Chiefs was also extremely important for the squad and some players played themselves into the side.
“We have continuously been strong at set piece and have been good defensively in the last two or three outings. But to beat the All Blacks you have to be courageous and play some rugby – you have to score tries and I think we have picked a team capable of doing that.
“There is a nice balance in the back row while Peter captained the side against the Maori All Blacks and has done a good job.
“Elliot has been very accurate in the way he has played and we saw some excellent attacking play from Liam on Tuesday night. We are excited about the 15 that take the field but also the very strong and experienced bench players who will have an impact.”
British and Irish Lions: Liam Williams; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Davies, Ben Te’o, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong; Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis; Peter O’Mahony (c), Sean O’Brien, Taulupe Faletau
Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Sam Warburton, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Sexton, Leigh Halfpenny