Warburton back as Lions try new combos

Sam Warburton​ will captain the British & Irish Lions against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Tuesday.

Warburton returns to the starting lineup and is joined in the back row by CJ Stander and James Haskell. There are also starting berths for halfbacks Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb, fullback Jared Payne and an all-new front row of Joe Marler, Rory Best and Kyle Sinckler.

‘At this stage of the tour everyone has had a start and as coaches we are happy that all the players have had a chance to put their hand up and perform in the Lions jersey,’ said coach Warren Gatland.

‘Each game is a chance for individuals to shine, but more importantly it’s about a collective performance. We are building some momentum and we have improved with every game.

‘We were obviously pleased with the win against the Crusaders, especially our defence and game management, but we know the Highlanders will be another massive test for us as a squad.’

British & Irish Lions – 15 Jared Payne, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Tommy Seymour, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Christiaan Stander, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 James Haskell, 5 Iain Henderson, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Rory Best, 1 Joe Marler.
Subs: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Greig Laidlaw, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Elliot Daly.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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