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Pundits discuss Lions' selection dilemmas ahead of first Test against the All Blacks

AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand 10/6/2017.Crusaders vs British & Irish Lions.Lions' Owen Farrell and Jonathan Sexton celebrate winning.
Image: Will Greenwood believes Owen Farrell will start the first Test, with Johnny Sexton on the bench

The Sky Sports pundits discuss the Lions' options at fly-half, the midfield, and the second row ahead of the first Test.

The Lions demolished the Chiefs 34-6 in Hamilton on Tuesday, and their attention now turns to the first Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

It will be a tough ask for any of the players to force their way into the Test team four days after a sapping clash with the 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby winners, but the pundits picked out those who have added some headaches to the coaches' selection meeting.

Will Greenwood was particularly impressed by Elliot Daly, who he says should be picked on the bench owing to his versatility as a backline option, as well as his long-range kicking from the tee.

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Will Greenwood lauded Elliot Daly's ability to slot long-range kicks

Greenwood also feels that Owen Farrell will start ahead of Johnny Sexton at fly-half, with Ben Te'o and Jonathan Davies making up the midfield, while Stephen Ferris believes that Sean O'Brien has done enough to keep Sam Warburton out of the starting side.

Ferris predicted that Peter O'Mahony and Wales' Taulupe Faletau will complete the back row.

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Will Greenwood believes Owen Farrell will start at fly-half in the first Test

Scott Quinnell said the performance of Courtney Lawes in Hamilton caught his eye, but he still feels that Alun Wyn Jones will provide second-row cover.

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The former Wales international says Maro Itoje and George Kruis will likely be the starting lock pairing, which he adds could open the door for Saracens team-mate Jamie George to start due to the hooker's familiarity with the two jumpers.

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Scott Quinnell says Alun Wyn Jones will provide lock cover in the first Test

The first Test between the Lions and the All Blacks will be live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30am this Saturday

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