Best to captain Lions again for Hurricanes clash

Rory Best will captain the British and Irish Lions again in what is a much-changed team to face the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Best also led the Lions in their win over the Chiefs and they are sure to face a huge challenge against Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Only George Kruis is retained from the team beaten 30-15 by the All Blacks in the first Test, when Peter O’Mahony was skipper.

Best leads the same forward pack that helped crush the Chiefs 34-6, while Dan Biggar and Greig Laidlaw also start again.

📰 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | The Lions team to play @Hurricanesrugby is…#HURvBIL details 👉 https://t.co/hpXMs4w6mx #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/P5EruO06WP

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 25, 2017

Lions head coach Warren Gatland said it was another chance for players to push for Test spots.

“We are obviously hugely disappointed with the result last night, but it is important to regroup,” he said.

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

“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 against the Super Rugby champions.”

New Zealand released Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Vaea Fifita and Ngani Laumape from their squad and the quartet are available for the Hurricanes.

The Lions will look to keep the series alive when they meet the world champions again in Wellington on Saturday.

British and Irish Lions: Jack Nowell, Tommy Seymour, Jonathan Joseph, Robbie Henshaw, George North, Dan Biggar, Greig Laidlaw; Joe Marler, Rory Best, Dan Cole, Iain Henderson, Courtney Lawes, James Haskell, Justin Tipuric, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Allan Dell, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, George Kruis, Gareth Davies, Finn Russell, Jared Payne.