HOTHEAD MAKO KEEPS HIS PLACE

MAKO VUNIPOLA is set to retain his starting place in the Lions Test team, despite the disciplinary lapses which saw him concede four penalties and receive a yellow card in Wellington. The 26-year-old prop was widely criticised for losing his cool during last Saturday’s 24-21 win in Auckland. Vunipola’s four offences led to a stint in the sin bin and prompted a debate about his prospects of retaining the Lions’ No 1 jersey. However, despite calls in some quarters for Ireland’s Jack McGrath to be promoted to the loosehead berth, Sportsmail understands Vunipola will be given the benefit of the doubt by Warren Gatland. The management team rate the Englishman highly and do not believe that his composure deserted him in the second Test — believing that he was unfortunate with one or two of the penalty calls against him. Vunipola has started both Tests so far and is regarded as a multi-purpose prop, who has improved his scrummaging since struggling during the tour of Australia four years ago. He is dynamic around the field, as was illustrated by a powerful early carry in Wellington, which helped to set the tone for the Lions’ improved physicality. Meanwhile Jared Payne is destined to be the fifth player ruled out of the tour due to injury as the Ireland back is suffering from persistent migraines. All other contenders are fit, and Gatland is expected to name an unchanged starting XV for Saturday’s final Test.