Lions vs Maori All Blacks: Warren Gatland picks Peter O’Mahony as Lions skipper

MARO ITOJE and George Kruis have been paired in the second row as the Lions hone in on their Test team to face the All Blacks.

The England workhorses are joined by Saracens team-mate Mako Vunipola in the pack – but Owen Farrell is on the bench for Saturday’s clash against the Maori All Blacks.

Rex Features

Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony captains the tourists with tour skipper Sam Warburton also named as a sub.

Boss Warren Gatland said: “At this stage of the tour it is important to build on the foundations that have been laid in the last few weeks.

“We were obviously disappointed with the loss against the Highlanders and realise that we need to improve in several areas, including our discipline, but we feel that overall we are building well towards the Test matches.

Getty Images

“Every game is a big challenge, which is what we wanted, and this is an experienced Lions team with eight of the starting 15 involved in the last Test in Australia in 2013.”

Anthony Watson comes in on the wing and Jonathan Davies is fit to play at centre after coming off with concussion against the Crusaders.

Getty Images

Ben Te’o – the surprise package of the series so far – keeps his place at inside centre alongside former Leinster teammate Johnny Sexton in the fly-half spot.

With Alun Wyn Jones rested and Warburton on the bench, O’Mahony leads the side out at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Getty Images

Gatland added: “Peter is a proven captain with Munster who never takes a backward step and we believe that those leadership qualities will serve us well on Saturday against a quality and determined Maori All Blacks team.”

Inpho

LIONS v Maori All Blacks

15. Leigh Halfpenny – Toulon, Wales, #775
14. Anthony Watson – Bath Rugby, England, #816
13. Jonathan Davies – Scarlets, Wales, #778
12. Ben Te’o – Worcester Warriors, England, #815
11. George North – Northampton Saints, England, #792
10. Johnny Sexton – Leinster, Ireland, #791
9. Conor Murray – Munster, Ireland, #790

1. Mako Vunipola – Saracens, England, #787
2. Jamie George – Saracens, England, #818
3. Tadhg Furlong – Leinster, Ireland, #817
4. Maro Itoje – Saracens, England, #825
5. George Kruis – Saracens, England, #819
6. Peter O’Mahony (capt) – Munster, Ireland, #833
7. Sean O’Brien – Leinster, Ireland, #796
8. Taulupe Faletau – Bath Rugby, Wales, #779

Replacements
16. Ken Owens – Scarlets, Wales, #829
17. Jack McGrath – Leinster, Ireland, #827
18. Kyle Sinckler – Harlequins, England, #814
19. Iain Henderson – Ulster, Ireland, #808
20. Sam Warburton – Cardiff Blues, Wales, #800
21. Greig Laidlaw – Gloucester Rugby, Scotland, #810
22. Owen Farrell – Saracens, England, #780
23. Elliot Daly – Wasps, England, #822