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Alun Wyn to captain Lions against Crusaders

Alun Wyn to captain Lions against Crusaders

Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones will skipper the British & Irish Lions in the third game of their tour of New Zealand against Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

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Warren Gatland has named an entirely new XV from the one beaten by Auckland Blues on Wednesday as he looks to get his side back to winning ways following an early setback.

His team includes nine players who featured on the successful 2013 tour of Australia, with Jones’ fellow Welshmen Taulupe Faletau, Jonathan Davies, George North and Liam Williams also starting.

Outside centre Davies and wing North make their first appearances of this trip in an experienced side.

Gatland said: “The aim was always to start everyone in the first three matches and this selection ensures that we achieve this.

“This is an experienced team with nine of the starting 15 players having featured in 2013. Our squad is working hard and we are seeing improvement in their performances both at training and in the games.

“The result against the Blues was disappointing and we know we can’t afford to give away so many penalties. We are looking forward to the clash against the Crusaders and we expect a tough game against the most successful team in Super Rugby history.”

Wales hooker Ken Owens and scrum-half Rhys Webb will be on the bench against Crusaders, who top the Super Rugby table and haven’t been beaten domestically this season.

Ireland duo Conor Murray and Sean O’Brien start at scrum-half and flanker respectively.

Johnny Sexton is the back-up fly-half to Owen Farrell, with Wales’ Dan Biggar, who suffered a head knock against the Blues, not involved as a precaution.

Sam Warburton is nursing an ankle strain and the game at AMI Stadium comes too soon for the Lions tour leader.

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Gatland added: “We are pretty good fitness wise. Dan Biggar has a six day turnaround, that’s the protocol, so he’s not available. Ross Moriarty has had a back spasm, but he’s recovering well.

“Sam Warburton had a slight ankle strain after the first game, he just needs a few more days.

“The Crusaders are playing with a lot of confidence. It’s going to be a big test for us. It would be disappointing to lose back-to-back matches. The challenge is to come together as quick as we can.

“It’s great preparation for us. We are trying to keep a few things back behind closed doors.”

The Crusaders have named a strong side which features an All Black tight five of Joe Moody , Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Luke Romano and captain Sam Whitelock. Israel Dagg will lead the attack from full-back.

British & Irish Lions: Stuart Hogg; George North, Jonathan Davies, Ben Te’o, Liam Williams; Owen Farrell, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), George Kruis, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Dan Cole, Maro Itoje, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Johnny Sexton, Anthony Watson

Crusaders: Israel Dagg; Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock (capt),  Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua

Replacements: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Quinten Strange, Jed Brown, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Tim Bateman

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