Predicted: Lions First Test Starting XV

June 21, 2017
6311
Ultimate Rugby

Warren Gatland is set to announce his squad for the first Test against the All Blacks, tonight at 8pm BST. The Lions selectors met last night to confirm their matchday 23 for the series opener.

The selection has become a lot clearer in recent weeks as Gatland has favoured his 'Test' side for high-profile battles against the Crusaders and the Maori All Blacks.

Munster's Peter O' Mahony has been widely tipped to captain the tourists in Auckland, after a string of impressive performances over the course of the last two weeks, culminating in a momentous victory over the Maori in Rotorua last weekend.

Sean O' Brien is the odds-on favourite for the No. 7 shirt, while the dynamic and extremely mobile Taulupe Faletau, provides the perfect balance to an exciting back-row combination.

The front row of Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Tadhg Furlong can provide the Lions with solidity at set-piece and provide a major ball-carrying unit to get the Lions over the gainline in the early exchanges.

Saracens duo of Maro Itoje & George Kruis will resume their partnership in the second row, with either Iain Henderson or Alun-Wyn Jones providing impact from the bench.

The exciting half-back partnership of Conor Murray and Owen Farrell look set to link up with the in-form midfield duo of Ben Te'o and Jonathan Davies.

Leigh Halfpenny's reliability from the kicking tee has secured him the No. 15 shirt, while the two spots on the wing remain inconclusive.

Anthony Watson, whose aerial ability has seen him deployed at full-back against the Crusaders, should be selected to avail of Conor Murray's world-class kicking game.

While, George North, will be given one Test to prove his worth, as Gatland knows he can deliver on the big stage.

Predicted British & Irish Lions Squad (v All Blacks)

1. Mako Vunipola - (Saracens/England)

2. Jamie George - (Saracens/England)

3. Tadhg Furlong - (Leinster/Ireland)

4. Maro Itoje - (Saracens/England)

5. George Kruis - (Saracens/England)

6. Peter O' Mahony - (Munster/Ireland)

7. Sean O' Brien - (Leinster/Ireland)

8. Taulupe Faletau - (Bath/Wales)

9. Conor Murray - (Munster/Ireland)

10. Owen Farrell - (Saracens/England)