Rugby: British and Irish Lions bring in big guns to face Crusaders

The British and Irish Lions inside back Owen Farrell during the team training session. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Lions have named close to their first-choice team as they look to rebound from a poor start to their New Zealand tour.

Alun Wyn Jones will lead the Lions into their third Tour match against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium on Saturday, flanked by several of the Lions squad's big names.

Jones will be joined by the likes of Jonathan Davies, Conor Murray, George North and Sean O'Brien, who all appear for the first time in Tour.

Head Coach Warren 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.

"Last night's 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."

Lions Team:

15 Stuart Hogg
14 George North
13 Jonathan Davies
12 Ben Te'o
11 Liam Williams
10 Owen Farrell
9 Conor Murray
8 Taulupe Faletau
7 Sean O'Brien
6 Peter O'Mahony
5 George Kruis
4 Alun Wyn Jones (capt)
3 Tadhg Furlong
2 Jamie George
1 Mako Vunipola

Reserves:

16 Ken Owens
17 Jack McGrath
18 Dan Cole
19 Maro Itoje
20 CJ Stander
21 Rhys Webb
22 Johnny Sexton
23 Anthony Watson