Jones to lead experienced Lions against Crusaders

Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones will captain an experienced British and Irish Lions side against Crusaders on Saturday.

Jones, a veteran of 110 Tests for Wales, leads the Lions as they look to bounce back from Wednesday’s 22-16 loss to Blues.

Jonathan Davies, Conor Murray, George North and Sean O’Brien are all set to make their first appearances of the tour.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland is continuing to give his squad a chance to impress ahead of the Test series against the All Blacks.

“The aim was always to start everyone in the first three matches and this selection ensures that we achieve this,” Gatland said.

“This is an experienced team with nine of the starting 15 players having featured in 2013.

? TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | @AlunWynJones captains the Lions against @crusadersrugby#CRUvBIL info ?? https://t.co/jl8YvMiJnD #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/zgchbxdMqn

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 8, 2017

“Our squad is working hard and we are seeing improvement in their performances both at training and in the games.

“Last night’s result against the Blues was disappointing and we know we can’t afford to give away so many penalties.

“We are looking forward to the clash against the Crusaders and we expect a tough game against the most successful team in Super Rugby history.”

Crusaders have been in stunning Super Rugby form, winning all 14 of their matches so far this season.

The Lions have made an unconvincing start to their tour, edging the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians before their loss to Blues.

British and Irish Lions: Stuart Hogg, George North, Jonathan Davies, Ben Te’o, Liam Williams, Owen Farrell, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong, Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Dan Cole, Maro Itoje, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Johnny Sexton, Anthony Watson.