GEORGE NORTH has been given the chance to grab a Lions Test spot against the All Blacks.
Wales star North, a hero of the 2013 Lions series win over Australia, starts on the left wing against Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes.
Boss Warren Gatland has picked England ace Jack Nowell at full-back and Jonathan Joseph at outside centre.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest Lions news, gossip and rumours
Ireland’s Rory Best will captain the side in Wellington.
Gatland said: “There is a chance for George to go and make an impact – he can go out there and impress.
“We are obviously hugely disappointed with the result last night but it is important to regroup. We know there are a lot of players motivated to go out and get a result for the whole group.
MOST READ IN SPORT
“A few players put their hands up for selection from the Chiefs game and played their way into the Test team so they know that there is another opportunity for them on Tuesday against the Super Rugby champions.
“The guys know they need to step up with a good performance. There will be opportunities on Tuesday night.”
The Hurricanes have been given FOUR All Blacks to pick against the Lions.
New Zealand boss Steve Hansen released Jordie Barrett, try-machine Julian Savea centre Ngani Leaumape and lock Vaea Fifita.
Lions team to play the Hurricanes
15. Jack Nowell – Exeter Chiefs, England, #828
14. Tommy Seymour – Glasgow Warriors, Scotland, #813
13. Jonathan Joseph – Bath Rugby, England, #809
12. Robbie Henshaw – Leinster, Ireland, #824
11. George North – Northampton Saints, Wales, #792
10. Dan Biggar – Ospreys, Wales, #821
9. Greig Laidlaw – Gloucester, 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, #834
18. Tomas Francis – Exeter Chiefs, Wales
19. Cory Hill – Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales
20. George Kruis – Saracens, England, # 817
21. Gareth Davies – Scarlets, Wales
22. Finn Russell – Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
23. Jared Payne – Ulster, Ireland, #830
Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Otere Black, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi; 1 Ben May, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 4 Mark Abbott, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Vaea Fifita, 7 Callum Gibbins, 8 Brad Shields (c).
Leave a comment