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Aki and Henshaw paired in midfield as Lions ring changes for third Test

Ireland's Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki have been paired in midfield for the Lions' decisive thir...



Ireland's Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki have been paired in midfield for the Lions' decisive third Test against South Africa. 

The inclusion of Aki at inside-centre for his maiden Test start for the tourists will see Henshaw switch to the 13 shirt in Cape Town.

Head-coach Warren Gatland has made six changes from last Saturday's loss to the world champion Springboks with England captain Owen Farrell left out entirely.

Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan retain their places in the pack but Conor Murray has been replaced at scrum-half by Ali Price. There's no place on the bench for Iain Henderson or Tadhg Beirne.

The Tour’s leading try-scorer, Josh Adams, makes his Lions Test debut on the right wing joining Duhan van der Merwe who keeps his place on the left. Liam Williams is added at full back to complete the back three.

Dan Biggar is retained at fly-half with Ali Price in the half-backs.

In the pack, there are two changes to the front-row with injury-free Wyn Jones taking his place on the loosehead to make his Lions Test debut alongside Ken Owens, who is promoted from the bench to start his first Test of the tour at hooker.

Leinster and Ireland's Furlong continues on the tighthead to win his sixth-successive cap for the tourists.

Alun Wyn Jones is named as captain to win his record 12th consecutive cap, he's again partnered in the second row by Maro Itoje.

The back row remains the same with Courtney Lawes at blind side flanker, Tom Curry on the open side and Conan at number eight.

On the bench, Adam Beard Finn Russell, and Sam Simmonds feature for the first time in the Test Series and will all win their first Lions cap should they take the field.

Kyle Sinckler is included, subject to the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.

Lions team to play South Africa:

15. Liam Williams (Scarlets, Wales) #833

14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales) #836

13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #824

12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby, Ireland) #837

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Worcester Warriors, Scotland) #841

10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, Wales) #821

9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) #843

1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales) #842

2. Ken Owens (Scarlets, Wales) #829

3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #818

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, England) #825

5. Alun Wyn Jones – captain (Ospreys, Wales) #761

6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, England) #826

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, England) #853

8. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #839

Replacements:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, England) #851

17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, England) #787

18. *Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England) #814 – subject to outcome of disciplinary hearing.

19. Adam Beard (Ospreys, Wales) #852

20. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, England) #849

21. Conor Murray (Munster Rugby, Ireland) #790

22. Finn Russell (Racing 92, Scotland) #835

23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, England) #822

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