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Six Irishmen Keep Places In Un...

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Six Irishmen Keep Places In Unchanged Lions 23

98FM
98FM

08:40 5 Jul 2017


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The six Ireland internationals have kept their places in the British and Irish Lions matchday squad which is unchanged from last week's winning second Test match against New Zealand.

Prop Tadhg Furlong and flanker Sean O'Brien start in the pack while Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton's half-back partnership will continue at Eden Park on Saturday.

Prop Jack McGrath and back row man CJ Stander are kept among the replacements.

Captain Sam Warburton will lead the side out at the ground where the All Blacks have not been beaten in 39 matches, since a loss to France in 1994.

“It is not very often on a Lions Tour that you get to pick the same 23 for the following game," explained head coach Warren Gatland.

“We felt we should reward the players for the result and the courage that they showed in coming from behind from 18-9 down, digging themselves out of a hole and then finishing strongly in that last 10 to 15 minutes."

The Lions boss is wary of how the opposition will be looking to make amends for last week's defeat, which was their first home defeat since 2009.

“We are all aware of how big this game is and we are expecting a backlash from the All Blacks. But the pleasing thing about the 2nd Test is just how strong we were in the last 10 or 15 minutes, in terms of energy and enthusiasm so we still feel there is another level in us.

“This is a huge chance for this group of players to show their abilities and reap the benefits of the work everyone has put in. It is their chance to make Lions history.”

British & Irish Lions (v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Saturday, July 8, 7.35pm NZST, 8.35am BST):
15. Liam Williams – Scarlets, Wales, #833
14. Anthony Watson – Bath Rugby, England, #816
13. Jonathan Davies – Scarlets, Wales, #778
12. Owen Farrell – Saracens, England, #780
11. Elliot Daly – Wasps, England, #822
10. Johnny Sexton – Leinster, Ireland, #791
9. Conor Murray – Munster, Ireland, #790

1. Mako Vunipola – Saracens, England, #787
2. Jamie George – Saracens, England, #819
3. Tadhg Furlong – Leinster, Ireland, #818
4. Maro Itoje – Saracens, England, #825
5. Alun Wyn Jones – Ospreys, Wales, #761
6. Sam Warburton (capt) – Cardiff Blues, Wales, #800
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. Kyle Sinckler – Harlequins, England, #814
19. Courtney Lawes – Northampton Saints, England, #826
20. CJ Stander – Munster, Ireland, #831
21. Rhys Webb – Ospreys, Wales, #820
22. Ben Te’o – Worcester Warriors, England, #815
23. Jack Nowell – Exeter Chiefs, England, #828


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