Nowell to start for Lions

By Mark Stevens
5/6/17

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell will make his British & Irish Lions debut as the tourists prepare to tackle Super Rugby outfit the Blues in Auckland on Wednesday.

Having kicked off their campaign with a nervy 13-7 victory over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday, Lions coach Warren Gatland has named a completely different starting XV for this latest encounter.

Winger Nowell, who helped the Chiefs lift the Aviva Premiership title for the first time in their history a fortnight ago, will line-up in a back three that also includes England team-mate Elliot Daly and three-time Lions tourist Leigh Halfpenny.

"We have stated from the off that we want to give every player a start in the first three games and Wednesday is an opportunity for this set of players to show what they can do in a Lions jersey," said Gatland.

"We are expecting a big crowd at Eden Park. It will be the first of three matches there for us and we know the atmosphere will be outstanding. We are hoping for some good weather and are expecting a tough, fast and open game of rugby.

"We created some good opportunities against the Barbarians but didn't see them through and that is something we want to improve on."

Blues head coach Tana Umaga has selected an entirely All Black front row with Ofa Tu'ungafasi alongside captain James Parsons and Charlie Faumuina.

Twice-capped All Black Augustine Pulu is at scrum-half, with fellow New Zealand internationals Rieko Ioane, Williams, and George Moala in the backline.

Dual code international Sonny Bill Williams faces a late fitness test - TJ Faiane has been named on standby - but is expected to be fit to start.

Lions Team to face the the Blues: Leigh Halfpenny; Jack Nowell, Jaryd Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Ellior Daly; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Jack McGrath, Ken Owens (captain), Dan Cole; Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes; James Haskell, Justin Tipuric, CJ Stander

Replacements: Rory Best, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Greig Laidlaw, Jonathan Sexton, Liam Williams