British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland picks controversial rookies against Chiefs in Hamilton homecoming

WARREN GATLAND stacked his bench with all SIX controversial Lions call-ups to face the Chiefs.

The Lions boss named Kristian Dacey, Allan Dell, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Gareth Davies and Finn Russell as subs for Tuesday’s Super Rugby clash against his old club.

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Gatland said: “We are five games into the tour and there is still a lot to play for. Those involved on Tuesday will be playing not only for themselves in terms of further selection but also for the whole squad.

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“We are here to win a Test series and we have brought cover for the replacements bench so we can limit the number of players who need to double up, which is tough to do at this level of rugby.

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“We know it is going to be another big challenge against the Chiefs who have won the Super Rugby title twice in the last five years.

“I think we are still not confirmed in a number of the Test combinations. The hardest thing for these guys playing on Tuesday is the limited time they have together.”

On Gatland’s return home, he said: “If you cut me open I probably would bleed red, yellow and black. I am very proud of my roots and I love the Waikato people who are incredibly loyal.

“I’m looking forward to Tuesday night and a fantastic atmosphere in a proper rugby ground.”

British & Irish Lions (v Chiefs, Tuesday June 20, FMG Stadium, Waikato, 7.35pm NZST/8.35am BST)

Starting XV:

15. Liam Williams – Scarlets, Wales, #833
14. Jack Nowell – Exeter Chiefs, England, #828
13. Jared Payne – Ulster, Ireland, #830
12. Robbie Henshaw – Leinster, Ireland, #824
11. Elliot Daly – Wasps, England, #822
10. Dan Biggar – Ospreys, Wales, #821
9. Greig Laidlaw – Gloucester Rugby, Scotland, #810

1. Joe Marler – Harlequins, England, #811
2. Rory Best (c) – Ulster, Ireland, #793
3. Dan Cole – Leicester Tigers, England, #794
4. Iain Henderson – Ulster, Ireland, #808
5. Courtney Lawes – Northampton Saints, England, #826
6. James Haskell – Wasps, England, #823
7. Justin Tipuric – Ospreys, Wales, #786
8. CJ Stander – Munster, Ireland, #831

Replacements:
16. Kristian Dacey – Cardiff Blues, Wales
17. Allan Dell – Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland
18. Tomas Francis – Exeter Chiefs, Wales
19. Cory Hill – Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales
20. Alun Wyn Jones – Ospreys, Wales, #761
21. Gareth Davies – Scarlets, Wales
22. Finn Russell – Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
23. Tommy Seymour – Glasgow Warriors, Scotland, #813