Murray & Stander In For Lions Showdown

Conor Murray will start while CJ Stander will be looking to make a big impact off the bench as the British & Irish Lions gear themselves up for the winner-takes-all third test against New Zealand this coming Saturday (7.35pm NZ, 8.35am Irish).

It’s an unchanged team for the Lions, not seen since the New Zealand tour of 1993, as coach Warren Gatland rewards the players who recovered from 21-14 down with 13 minutes left with an exhilarating final push, Murray getting the crucial try – making him the first northern hemisphere player to score four international tries against the Kiwis – before an Eoin Farrell penalty in the 78th minute secured a 24-21 win in Wellington.

It means Conor Murray will have started all three tests for the Lions this tour, adding to two appearances four years ago in Australia, and once again the Garryowen clubman will be looking to make this a successful summer for the tourists, looking to beat the All-Blacks for the first time since 1971.

“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.” said coach Gatland on the selection.

“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 2^nd 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, 3^rd 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