Lions captain Paul O’Connell will be joined by 2 Munster teammates when he leads out his side to face the Royal XV at 2 o’clock on Saturday.
Head Coach Ian McGeechan has also included Ronan O’Gara at out half and Keith Earls at outside centre for the opening game of the tour – Tommy Bowe brings the Irish contingent on the field to 4 with Stephen Ferris in the replacements.
The team in full is a front row comprising of Andrew Sheridan, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones, Simon Shaw partners Paul O’Connell at lock with a back row of Joe Worsley, Martin Williams and Andy Powell.
Mike Blair and Ronan O’Gara are at 9 and 10 inside a centre pairing of Jamie Roberts and Keith Earls. Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe are on the wings with Lee Byrne at full back.