Sam Warburton back to lead British & Irish Lions in make-or-break second All Blacks test

The Welshman was one of three personnel changes coach Warren Gatland made to the starting side that lost the first test

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British and Irish Lions tour captain Sam Warburton will be back in the side for the second test in New Zealand. Photo: AP

Published: 10:05am, 29 Jun 2017Updated: 10:05am, 29 Jun 2017

Sam Warburton will captain the British & Irish Lions in Saturday’s must-win second test against New Zealand in Wellington.

The Welshman was one of three personnel changes coach Warren Gatland made on Thursday to the starting side that lost the first test 30-15, including calling in Johnny Sexton at fly half.

Gatland also picked Maro Itoje to start at lock at the expense of George Kruis, praising his impact off the bench in the first test.

Sexton’s inclusion sees Owen Farrell move to inside centre, forcing Ben Te’o onto the replacements’ bench.

Peter O’Mahony, who captained in the first test, was not even included in the matchday 23 as Gatland called up Warburton and preferred CJ Stander on the bench.

All Blacks Beauden Barrett is tackled by Warburton and Conor Murray during the first test. Photo: AP

Courtney Lawes was also included in the replacements after a strong performance in the 31-31 draw against the Hurricanes on Tuesday and Jack Nowell replaces Leigh Halfpenny on the bench.

Gatland said he had to make some tough decisions as the Lions seek to level the three-test series.