8 Jun 2017

Jones to captain Lions against Crusaders

6:16 pm on 8 June 2017

The British and Irish Lions have named a strong side with three times tourist Alun Wyn Jones to captain them against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Alun Wyn Jones looks on during the match.

Alun Wyn Jones looks on during the match. Photo: AFP

Wales skipper Jones captained the Lions in the third Test in Australia in 2013 as well as playing in all the Tests in South Africa in 2009.

And the centurian capped second row will bring all his experience to a starting line-up which sees Jonathan Davies, George North and Sean O'Brien start their first Tour games.

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 results 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."

British & Irish Lions

15 Stuart Hogg - Glasgow Warriors, Scotland, 783

14 George North - Northampton Saints, Wales, #792

13 Jonathan Davies - Scarlets, Wales, #778

12 Ben Te'o - Worcester Warriors, England, #815

11 Liam Williams - Scarlets, Wales, #832

10 Owen Farrell - Saracens, England, #780

9 Conor Murray - Munster, Ireland, #790

1 Mako Vunipola - Saracens, England, #787

2 Jamie George - Saracens, England, #818

3 Tadhg Furlong - Leinster, Ireland, #817

4 Alun Wyn Jones (capt) - Ospreys, Wales, #761

5 George Kruis - Saracens, England, #819

6 Peter O'Mahony - Munster, Ireland, #833

7 Sean O'Brien - Leinster, Ireland, #796

8 Taulupe Faletau - Bath Rugby, Wales, #779

Replacements

16 Ken Owens - Scarlets, Wales, #829

17 Jack McGrath - Leinster, Ireland, #827

18 Dan Cole - Leicester, England, #794

19 Maro Itoje - Saracens, England, #825

20 CJ Stander - Munster, Ireland, #831

21 Rhys Webb - Ospreys, Wales, #820

22 Johnny Sexton - Leinster, Ireland, #791

23 Anthony Watson - Bath Rugby, England, #816