Ken Owens will skipper the Lions against the Blues as Warren Gatland hands out debuts to 10 other stars

KEN OWENS will skipper the Lions against the Blues as Warren Gatland hands out debuts to ten other stars.

Wales hooker Owens has never played for the tourists but goes straight in to start as captain against the Super Rugby outfit in Auckland.

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England heroes Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, James Haskell, Jack Nowell and Elliot Daly also get the chance to impress in the red jersey.

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Boss Warren Gatland said: “We have made 15 changes to the starting XV and we are excited to see what this team is able to do against the Blues on Wednesday.

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“We have stated from the off that we want to give every player a start in the first three games and Wednesday is an opportunity for this set of players to show what they can do in a Lions jersey.

“It was good to get the win under our belts last weekend. The boys in the stand were itching to get their chance and they are really excited about Wednesday.

“In terms of Ken, he has worked really hard on his recovery and its great to have him available. He has captained the Scarlets and has assumed a leadership role within the camp and it is a great opportunity for him.

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“We are expecting a big crowd at Eden Park. It will be the first of three matches there for us and we know the atmosphere will be outstanding.

“We are hoping for some good weather and are expecting a tough, fast and open game of rugby.

“We have a few work ons from last weekend and we know we need to be more clinical.

“We created some good opportunties against the Barbarians but didn’t see them through and that is something we want to improve on Wednesday.”