British and Irish Lions 2017: Peter O'Mahony Captains Side Against New Zealand

Munster flanker O’Mahony was not a regular pick for Ireland in this year’s Six Nations after losing his place following a long-term knee injury.

The 27-year-old’s solitary start came when he was recalled for their final match against England, but only after Jamie Heaslip was injured in the warm-up.

O’Mahony was named man of the match as Ireland beat Eddie Jones’ side to deny them a second successive Grand Slam.

He captained the Lions in Saturday’s win over Maori All Blacks - the final tour game before the opening Test – and impressed in the back row alongside Taulupe Faletau and Sean O’Brien.

“It’s a reward for how the back row has gone. There is a nice balance there,” said Gatland, who named the same trio for the Test. “Peter has done a good job.”

Warburton, 28, struggled with a minor ankle problem earlier in the tour, but returned to captain the Lions in the defeat by the Highlanders before coming off the bench against the Maori All Blacks.

‘We have to score tries’

Experienced former Lions skipper Alun Wyn Jones, 31, is picked over England’s Maro Itoje in the second row.

Hooker Jamie George, whose 17 caps for England have all come off the bench, will start ahead of Ireland’s Rory Best and Wales’ Ken Owens.

George, England’s Mako Vunipola and Tadhg Furlong of Ireland resume their combination in the front row.

England fly-half Owen Farrell, fit again after a thigh injury, starts ahead of Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, with compatriot Ben Te’o at inside centre and Wales’ Jonathan Davies at outside centre.

In-form Irishman Conor Murray partners Farrell at half-back as the Lions bid to become the first team to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1994.

We have picked a side based on form with a lot of players putting their hands up,” said New Zealander Gatland.

“To beat the All Blacks you have to be courageous and play some rugby. You have to score tries and we have picked a team capable of doing that.”

Six Nations champions England provide seven players in the starting XV, with four from Wales and Ireland, There are no Scotland players in the 23-man matchday squad.

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