Speaking about his selection, Woodward said: There is a huge sense of excitement and anticipation now that our first game in New Zealand is so close. Because it is the first game, Bay of Plenty will want to give us a very tough match, and we have selected a very strong side who will give us a good start to the Tour.

Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll who will partner Gavin Henson said, After all the waiting and the preparation it will be great to get out there and play the first match in New Zealand. This is a strong side and we can't wait to get out in front of the New Zealand public and show what we can do on the rugby field.

15. Josh Lewsey (London Wasps, England) 14. Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks, England) 13. Brian O Driscoll (Leinster, Ireland) Capt 12. Gavin Henson (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) 11. Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues, Wales) 10. Ronan O'Gara (Munster, Ireland) 9. Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets, Wales) 1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues, Wales) 2. Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow, Scotland) 3. Matt Stevens (Bath, England) 4. Paul O Connell (Munster, Ireland) 5. Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers, England) 6. Richard Hill (Saracens, England) 7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues, Wales) 8. Lawrence Dallaglio (London Wasps) Replacements 16. Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints, England) 17. Andy Sheridan (Sale Sharks, England) 18. Malcolm O Kelly (Leinster, Ireland) 19. Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers, England) 20. Matt Dawson (London Wasps, England) 21. Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks, England) 22. Gordon D Arcy (Leinster, Ireland)