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Ken Owens to captain British and Irish Lions against Blues

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Ken Owens says he was surprised when he was asked to lead the British & Irish Lions against the Auckland Blues

Ken Owens captains a British and Irish Lions side containing 11 debutants for Wednesday's clash with the Blues in Auckland, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8am.

Warren Gatland has made 15 changes to the side that struggled to a 13-7 win against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Saturday's tour opener, with Wales hooker Owens packing down alongside Jack McGrath and Dan Cole in the front row at Eden Park.

There is an all-Welsh half-back pairing as Rhys Webb combines with Dan Biggar, while Ireland duo Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne are named in midfield.

Perofeta to start against Lions
Perofeta to start against Lions

Stephen Perofeta to make full Blues debut while Sonny Bill Williams is confident he will play.

Leigh Halfpenny starts at full-back after missing Toulon's Top 14 final defeat to Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, with Jack Nowell and Elliot Daly completing the back three.

England's Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes form the second-row pairing with James Haskell, Justin Tipuric and CJ Stander in the back row.

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Highlights of the Lions' nervy win over the NZ Barbarians last Saturday

The front row which started against the Barbarians are all named on the bench, as well as fly-half Johnny Sexton and Wales back Liam Williams.

"We have stated from the off that we want to give every player a start in the first three games and Wednesday is an opportunity for this set of players to show what they can do in a Lions jersey," said Gatland.

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"It was good to get the win under our belts last weekend. The boys in the stand were itching to get their chance and they are really excited about Wednesday.

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Sam Warburton says the Lions will dedicate the rest of their tour in New Zealand to the victims of the London terror attack

"In terms of Ken, he has worked really hard on his recovery and it is great to have him available. He has captained the Scarlets and has assumed a leadership role within the camp and it is a great opportunity for him.

"We are expecting a big crowd at Eden Park. It will be the first of three matches there for us and we know the atmosphere will be outstanding. We are hoping for some good weather and are expecting a tough, fast and open game of rugby.

"We have a few work-ons from last weekend and we know we need to be more clinical. We created some good opportunities against the Barbarians but didn't see them through and that is something we want to improve on Wednesday."

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British and Irish Lions: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Jack McGrath, 2 Ken Owens (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 James Haskell, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 CJ Stander.

Replacements: 16 Rory Best, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O'Mahony, 21 Greig Laidlaw, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 Liam Williams.

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