NZ Barbarians

Lions look to make statement

Lions coach Warren Gatland has named a strong team for the tour opener in Whangarei, which includes Sam Warburton, Rory Best, Alun Wyn Jones and Johnny Sexton.

It will be an opportunity to get over the long flight down under for the players and get match sharp for what lies ahead.

But it's also a chance for the Lions to show that they mean business throughout their six weeks in New Zealand.

"With this squad, we believe we've got a good team that's capable of winning over here, whether it's the warm up games or the series we believe that," Faletau said.