Five Irish Internationals Named In Lions Starting XV To Play Highlanders

Warren Gatland has named his starting Lions team to play Super Rugby's Highlanders at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Tuesday.

The team features five Irish internationals with one more on the bench.

After starting at outside-centre against the Blues last week, Jared Payne gets his chance to shine at fullback. Also among the backs, Robbie Henshaw gets an opportunity to enhance his Test starter credentials at inside centre. The Leinster player starts his second game of the tour.

In the forwards, CJ Stander will wear the number eight jersey, while Ulster pair Iain Henderson and Rory Best start at second row and hooker, respectively.

After returning from injury, Sam Warburton will captain the team.

Lions starting XV to play Highlanders:

15. Jared Payne
14. Jack Nowell
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Tommy Seymour
10. Dan Biggar
9. Rhys Webb

8. CJ Stander
7. Sam Warburton
6. James Haskell
5. Iain Henderson
4. Courtney Lawes
3. Kyle Sinckler
2. Rory Best
1. Joe Marler

Jack McGrath is the only Irish player on the bench for the game.

Replacements:

16. Ken Owens
17. Jack McGrath
18. Dan Cole
19. Alun Wyn Jones
20. Justin Tipuric
21. Greig Laidlaw
22. Owen Farrell
23. Elliot Daly

Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

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