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Nine Welshmen named to face Barbarians

Nine Welshmen named to face Barbarians
© PA Photos
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland names nine Wales internationals to face Barbarians in his side's opening tour match on Saturday.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named nine Welshmen in his side to face Barbarians on Saturday.

Gatland, who is also the current head coach of Wales, has gone with a familiar look to his side, which has also been dictated by several members of the squad being involved in domestic fixtures last weekend.

The 49-year-old told reporters: "I am really excited by the first selection of the tour. Naturally, it comprises largely those players not involved in last weekend's Aviva Premiership and RaboDirect PRO12 finals, and we have a lot of players making their debuts for the Lions.

"At the same time we have a hard core of experience, with six former Lions sharing 430 caps between them and 19 Lions Tests.

"There are also some proven combinations, such as the Welsh centre pairing and back-row. Some of the boys who played last weekend are on the bench as cover, and generally everyone in the camp is raring to go."

Gatland's side will be skippered by Ireland's Paul O'Connell, who has replaced the injured Sam Warburton.

British and Irish Lions lineup: S.Hogg (Scotland); A.Cuthbert (Wales), J.Davies (Wales), J.Roberts (Wales), S.Maitland (Scotland); O.Farrell (England), M.Phillips (Wales); M.Vunipola (England), R.Hibbard (Wales), A.Jones (Wales), R.Gray (Scotland), P.O'Connell (Ireland, capt), D.Lydiate (Wales), J.Tipuric (Wales), T.Faletau (Wales)

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