‘We’ve been courageous, picking a side to score tries’

Ruthless Lions coach drops his 2013 heroes

to be courageous and play some rugby — you have to score tries and I think we have picked a team capable of doing that,’ said Gatland.

‘A lot of players put their hands up, especially from the Crusaders and Maori All Blacks games, and it was a lively selection meeting.’

‘Elliot has been very accurate in the way he has played and we saw some excellent attacking from Liam on Tuesday. Peter captained the side against the Maori All Blacks and has done a good job.’

England dominate the starting XV with seven players, although lock Maro Itoje has only made the bench as Gatland puts his faith in experienced Welshman Alun Wyn Jones.

Rookie Ben Te’o and hooker Jamie George are both in, despite only one England start between them, while Owen Farrell has recovered from a thigh injury to wear the No 10 jersey.

Having skippered the Lions to victory in Australia four years ago, Warburton becomes the first captain to miss the first Test in 87 years as Irishman Sean O’Brien takes over at open-side flanker.

Gatland added: ‘We have been strong at set piece and have been good defensively in the last two or three outings. We are excited about the 15 but also the very strong and experienced bench.’

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen also gambled by dropping winger Julian Savea, who has scored 46 tries in 53 Tests, for 20-year- old Rieko Ioane.

‘ Rieko’s outstanding form throughout the season this year, including against the Lions — for the Blues and Maori — has earned him his start on the wing,’ said Hansen.

Kieran Read returns to captain the world champions, with Ryan Crotty also back from injury to partner Sonny Bill Williams in the centre. The Kiwi backline will be orchestrated by World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett, who wins his 51st cap, outside Aaron Smith at scrum half. ‘There’s a real understanding that this is a once-in-alifetime opportunity,’ said Hansen. ‘The players are well aware of the history of the All Blacks and the Lions and are determined to respect that history with their performances. We know this is a very good Lions team; probably one of the best to have toured here. We will bring real energy and intensity.’

LIONS coach Warren Gatland has taken the biggest gamble of his career by axing his 2013 stars for Saturday’s opening test against the All Blacks.

Welsh trio Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and George North have all been dropped — the giant wing not even making the bench.

Gatland has gone for broke with dazzling pair elliot daly and Liam Williams in the back three as the tourists, captained by Irishman Peter O’Mahony, prepare for all-out attack at eden Park. ‘to beat the All Blacks you have