WARREN GATLAND has gone for broke by picking Owen Farrell AND Johnny Sexton for the must-win Second Test.
The Lions boss axed powerhouse Ben Te’o to shift England playmaker Farrell to No 12 and bring in Ireland fly-half Sexton against the All Blacks on Saturday.
Tour captain Sam Warburton and Red Rose colossus Maro Itoje also start in Wellington with First Test skipper Peter O’Mahony and England second-row George Kruis dropped.
Gatland’s blueprint was to play his favourite physical ‘Warrenball’ game but that has been ripped up after the 30-15 First Test battering.
The Wales chief and his coaching team were locked in debate long into the night before as they hatched a plan to save the series in Wellington.
Te’o has impressed with his bulldozing runs all tour but Gatland has gone for less brawn more brain.
Farrell and Sexton played together in the Lions 12-3 win over crack Super Rugby side Crusaders earlier in the tour.
Sexton said: “We played 50 minutes together against Crusaders and I think we went well together.
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“At times, Owen was at 10 and I was able to be his eyes and at other times, I was 10 and he was able to be mine. It’s great when you’ve got somebody at 12 who can help you out that much.
“If you know the game like he does, if he plays 10 or 12, he’ll be a huge asset to any team.”
Robbie Henshaw and George North will miss the rest of the Lions tour after picking up injuries.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made two changes.
Anton Lienert-Brown replaces injured centre Ryan Crotty while Israel Dagg shifts to full-back with Highlanders flier Waisake Naholo starting on the wing.
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