CENTRE Ben Te’o has not been included in the British and Irish Lions’ match-day 23 to play the Blues at Eden Park on Wednesday (8.35am GMT).

The Worcester Warriors ace starred in the Lions’ 13-7 win over New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday, receiving praise from head coach Warren Gatland.

But Lions’ boss has decided to make 15 changes to the team that kicked off the 2017 Tour with Wales hooker Ken Owens handed the captaincy.

“We have stated from the off that we want to give every player a start in the first three games and Wednesday is an opportunity for this set of players to show what they can do in a Lions jersey,” Gatland said.

“It was good to get the win under our belts last weekend. The boys in the stand were itching to get their chance and they are really excited about Wednesday.

“In terms of Ken, he has worked really hard on his recovery and its great to have him available.

“He has captained the Scarlets and has assumed a leadership role within the camp and it is a great opportunity for him.

“We are expecting a big crowd at Eden Park. It will be the first of three matches there for us and we know the atmosphere will be outstanding. We are hoping for some good weather and are expecting a tough, fast and open game of rugby.

“We have a few work ons from last weekend and we know we need to be more clinical. We created some good opportunties against the Barbarians but didn’t see them through and that is something we want to improve on Wednesday.”

Lions team:

15. Leigh Halfpenny.

14. Jack Nowell.

13. Jared Payne.

12. Robbie Henshaw.

11. Elliot Daly.

10. Dan Biggar.

9. Rhys Webb.

1. Jack McGrath.

2. Ken Owens (C).

3. Dan Cole.

4. Maro Itoje.

5. Courtney Lawes.

6. James Haskell.

7. Justin Tipuric.

8. CJ Stander.

Replacements:

16. Rory Best.

17. Joe Marler.

18. Kyle Sinckler.

19. Iain Henderson.

20. Peter O’Mahony.

21. Greig Laidlaw.

22. Johnny Sexton.

23. Liam Williams.