British and Irish Lions

The full-back, who would have played fly-half in place of the injured Daniel Carter this weekend, has failed to overcome a groin strain he suffered in training earlier in the week.

North Harbour's Luke McAlister, who was only drafted into the squad on Monday because of injuries to Carter (shoulder) and inside centre Aaron Mauger (hamstring), will start at pivot with another late call-up, Otago's Nick Evans, coming on to the bench.

These changes come on top of those already forced by Carter and Mauger's absence.

Skipper Tana Umaga has taken over from Mauger at inside centre with Conrad Smith joining his captain in the midfield for his first game against the Lions.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry was also forced to reshuffle his forward pack on Thursday when openside flanker Richie McCaw was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

That means number eight Rodney So'oialo will shift to the openside with Sione Lauaki packing down at the back of the scrum.

Junior All Black Marty Holah has been called on to the bench.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.

See how Stuart Hogg and Adam Jones got on when they went out to have dinner at home with the Joneses of Pontypridd as part of the 'Host the Pride' community programme instigated by British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland.