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Rory Best to lead Lions against Hurricanes in Wellington

Image: Rory Best captains the final midweek side named by Warren Gatland

Rory Best will lead the Lions in their final midweek game of the tour, against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Tuesday.

The Ireland hooker will pack down alongside props Joe Marler and Dan Cole up front, while James Haskell, Justin Tipuric and No 8 CJ Stander form a powerful back row.

Iain Henderson and Northampton's Courtney Lawes have an opportunity to put their hand up for Test contention after the second-row pairing of George Kruis and Alun Wyn Jones failed to fire in the 30-15 loss to the All Blacks in the first Test.

There is also a chance for three wingers to lay claim to a Test jersey, with Jack Nowell named at full-back and George North and Tommy Seymour out wide.

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Dan Biggar and Greig Laidlaw pair up in the half-backs, and there is an exciting centre partnership as Jonathan Joseph joins Robbie Henshaw in the midfield

All of the 'Geographic Six' have been named on the bench along with Jared Payne and Kruis, the only player involved in Tuesday's clash who was in the matchday 23 for the Test opener.

"We are obviously hugely disappointed with the result last night but it is important to regroup," said Warren Gatland.

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"We know there are a lot of players motivated to go out and get a result for the whole group.

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Highlights of the Lions' loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park

"A few players put their hands up for selection from the Chiefs game and played their way into the Test team so they know that there is another opportunity for them on Tuesday."

Gatland's charges will be looking to make a big statement against the reigning Super Rugby champions, as they face New Zealand in the second Test at the same Westpac Stadium four days later.

The Lions have lost two of their three midweek games so far, seeing off the Chiefs in Hamilton after losing out to the Blues and the Highlanders earlier in the tour.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 09 2017:  Julian Savea of the Hurricanes warms up ahead of his 100th Super Rugby game during the round 16 Super Rugby
Image: Julian Savea is one of four All Blacks released by Steve Hansen for the Hurricanes' game against the Lions

The Hurricanes have named a strong side for the clash, with New Zealand coach Steve Hansen releasing four members of his squad to take on the Lions, including Julian Savea and Super Rugby star Jordie Barrett, brother of All Blacks fly-half Beauden.

British and Irish Lions: 15 Jack Nowell, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 1 Joe Marler, 2 Rory Best (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Iain Henderson, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 James Haskell, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 CJ Stander.

Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Allan Dell, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Cory Hill, 20 George Kruis, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Finn Russell, 23 Jared Payne.

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