Warburton fit for tour opener

SAM WARBURTON will captain the Lions in their first tour match against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, who will feature Warren Gatland’s son Bryn. The Wales flanker, who has recovered from a knee injury, will lead a Lions side containing nine debutants and six stars returning from the 2013 tour in Saturday’s match in Whangarei. Head coach Gatland admitted he wants to field his full 41-man squad across the Lions’ opening two fixtures.

The Lions face Super Rugby outfit the Blues in Auckland next Wednesday.

“We are lucky to have some real leaders in the squad and to be able to select them for this match in Rory Best, Alun Wyn Jones and Greig Laidlaw,” said Gatland, whose son is a fly-half at North Harbour.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what Greig can do alongside Johnny Sexton, who are experienced half-backs.

“It is also great to have Sam starting in the first game of the tour, something he didn’t do in 2013.

“The balance of the squad is really good, we have selected the majority of players who were together for the training weeks in Wales and Ireland and they have prepared well.”

Harlequins prop Kyle Sinckler is yet to start a match for England in his eight Test caps, but has now claimed the first Lions starting shirt available on the tour.

LIONS (v Provincial Barbarians):