We are now just six days away from the Lions first test match against New Zealand.
After the All Blacks’ mauling of Samoa, the Lions needed a performance and gave one on Saturday as they overcame the Maori All Blacks 32-10.
The performance gave Warren Gatland a lot to think about but his starting XV that day may not be that far off who will be selected next week.
Saying that there’s still one more game to go as the Chiefs will offer a stern test on Tuesday.
The team includes five Irish starters and Rory Best has been given the honour to lead out the British and Irish Lions in what will likely be his final tour donning the red jersey.
Iain Henderson starts in the second row, CJ Stander will be number 8 and Robbie Henshaw will resume a familiar centre partnership with Jared Payne for the side.
The full team is as followed,
15 Liam Williams,14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jared Payne,12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 1 Joe Marler, 2 Rory Best (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Iain Henderson, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 James Haskell, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 CJ Stander.
The captaincy caps off a great week for the 34-year-old as he was awarded an OBE for services to rugby.
Speaking to Press Association Sport , Best said how the whole thing is a huge privilege.
“I’m just so surprised and humbled; it’s such a massive honour,” he said.
“To be recognised for contributing to a sport, for someone to feel I’m worthy of being nominated, and then to be deemed worthy, it’s quite incredible.
“My parents were obviously delighted. My mum and dad actually both have MBEs, my dad for agriculture and my mum for services to the public sector.”
Best will lead out the side on Tuesday with kickoff at 8:35 am Irish time.
