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Sam Warburton to captain British and Irish Lions v Highlanders

WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 03:  Captain Sam Warburton of the British & Irish Lions leads out his team prior to kickoff during the 2017 British & Irish L
Image: Sam Warburton returns from injury for the Lions in Dunedin

Sam Warburton will captain the British and Irish Lions in Tuesday's tour match against the Highlanders, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8am.

The Wales openside missed the games against the Blues and Crusaders due to an ankle injury but returns to the starting line-up as Warren Gatland makes 15 changes.

Warburton is named in the back row alongside former Highlander James Haskell and CJ Stander with Courtney Lawes and Iain Henderson forming the second-row partnership.

No Warburton in Sky panel's Test XV
No Warburton in Sky panel's Test XV

Sam Warburton doesn't make Sir Ian McGeechan and Luke Fitzgerald's Lions team to face the All Blacks

Dan Biggar has recovered from the head injury he suffered against the Blues and starts at fly-half with Wales team-mate Rhys Webb at scrum-half.

Robbie Henshaw and Jonathan Joseph are the midfield combination with Jared Payne, Jack Nowell and Tommy Seymour forming the back three.

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Highlights of the Lions' win over the Crusaders on Saturday

Ireland captain Rory Best gets another chance at hooker and he packs down either side of England props Joe Marler and Dan Cole.

Owen Farrell, who kicked all of the Lions' points against the Crusaders, is named on the bench.

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Live British and Irish Lions Tour

"At this stage of the Tour everyone has had a start and as coaches we are happy that all the players have had a chance to put their hand up and perform in the Lions jersey," said Gatland.

"Each game is a chance for individuals to shine but more importantly it's about a collective performance. We are building some momentum and we have improved with every game.

Three All Blacks in Highlanders XV
Three All Blacks in Highlanders XV

Lima Sopoaga, Waisake Naholo and Liam Coltman to start against Lions in Dunedin on Tuesday

"We were obviously pleased with the win against the Crusaders, especially our defence and game management, but we know the Highlanders will be another massive test for us as a squad."

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Sean Fitzpatrick believes Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton showed they can play together during the Lions' win over the Crusaders

British and Irish Lions: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Tommy Seymour, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Rory Best, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Iain Henderson, 6 James Haskell, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 8 CJ Stander.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Greig Laidlaw, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Elliot Daly.

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