WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- The British & Irish Lions have sprung a selection surprise ahead of the second Test against the All Blacks with Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell forming a new look partnership while Maro Itoje starts and Sam Warburton returns to captain the side.
The Lions make a total of four changes to the side that lost the first Test 30-15 in Auckland last Saturday with Sexton and Farrell linking up at 10 and 12. Ben Te'o misses out on selection as Warren Gatland goes with a combination that are yet to start on this tour.
Tour captain Warburton was benched for the first Test, but he returns in the back-row to skipper the side while Itoje replaces George Kruis in their second-row.
On the bench Gatland has gone with a five-three split between forwards and backs with CJ Stander, Courtney Lawes, Te'o and Jack Nowell included.
British & Irish Lions:
Liam Williams, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Davies, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton (captain), Sean O'Brien, Taulupe Faletau
Replacements:
Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te'o, Jack Nowell