The Telegraph Picks Their Lions Test & Midweek Teams

Not long to go now.

The Lions kickstart their tour of New Zealand a month from today against a Provincial Union XV at Toll Stadium. They follow that up with five more games against Super Rugby sides and the Maori All Blacks before taking on the All Blacks for the first time on June 24th.

Head coach Warren Gatland is bringing an extended 41-man squad to New Zealand given the intensity of the schedule ahead of the Lions. As in previous tours we can expect to lose some bodies along the way, but should they make it through, The Telegraph have put together what they think are the strongest Test and Midweek sides.

British & Irish Lions Test Squad

Backs
15. Stuart Hogg
14. George North
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Owen Farrell
11. Anthony Watson
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

Forwards
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Rory Best
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Maro Itoje
6. CJ Stander
7. Sam Warburton (c)
8. Billy Vunipola

Replacements
16. Jamie George
17. Jack McGrath
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Courtney Lawes
20. Toby Faletau
21. Rhys Webb
22. Elliot Daly
23. Ben Te’o

British & Irish Lions Midweek Squad

Backs
15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Tommy Seymour
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Liam Williams
10. Dan Biggar
9. Ben Youngs

Forwards
1. Joe Marler
2. Ken Owens
3. Dan Cole
4. George Kruis
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Ross Moriarty

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