Dawson to start at halfback for midweek Lions

Halfback Matt Dawson will start just his second match of the Lions rugby tour of New Zealand as he switches to the midweek team for Tuesday's match against Auckland in Auckland.

Dawson was today named as starting halfback for the midweekers, having been on the bench for the two tests and made his only tour starting appearance against New Zealand Maori in Hamilton.

Auckland also named their side today.

Second test reserve Martyn Williams will start in the No 7 jersey for the Lions on Tuesday while test squad members Martin Corry and Shane Horgan are on the bench.

Scotland loose forward Jason White, called in last week as a replacement, will start in the No 6 jersey in a team captained by his compatriot Gordon Bulloch.


Graham Rountree has replaced Andy Sheridan in the front row. Sheridan was named in the team earlier today but has an ankle injury and has been replaced by Rountree.
 
Lions:
Geordan Murphy (Ireland), Mark Cueto (England), Will Greenwood (England), Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland), Denis Hickie (Ireland), Charlie Hodgson (England), Matt Dawson (England), Michael Owen (Wales), Martyn Williams (Wales), Jason White (Scotland), Ben Kay (England), Simon Shaw (England), Jonh Hayes (Ireland), Gordon Bulloch (captain, Scotland), Graham Rountree (England).
Reserves:
Andy Titterrell (England), Matt Stevens (England), Brent Cockbain (Wales), Martin Corry (England), Chris Cusiter (Scotland), Ronan O'Gara (Ireland), Shane Horgan (Ireland).

Auckland:
Brent Ward, Isa Nacewa, Ben Atiga/Gavin Williams, Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko/Tony Koonwaiyou, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine, Angus MacDonald, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins (captain), Bryce Williams, Brad Mika, John Afoa, Semisi Telefoni, Saimone Taumoepeau/Chris Heard.
Reserves:
John Fonokalafi, Chris Heard/Nick White, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Taniela Moa, Isaia Toe'ava, Gavin Williams/Ben Atiga.

- NZPA