WORCESTER Warriors centre Ben Te'o will start for the British and Irish Lions in Saturday's first Test against New Zealand.

Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony will captain the side ahead of tour skipper Sam Warburton who takes a seat on the bench for the Eden Park clash.

Saturday's Auckland showdown becomes the first time a tour captain has not led the Lions in an opening Test since England's Doug Prentice missed out in 1930.

Liam Williams has been preferred to Leigh Halfpenny at full-back while Elliot Daly starts on the left wing.

"We have picked a side based on form with a lot of players putting their hands up, especially from the Crusaders and Maori All Blacks games, and it was a lively selection meeting," said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.

"The win against Chiefs was also extremely important for the squad and some players played themselves into the side.

"We have continuously been strong at set-piece and been good defensively in the last two or three outings.

"But to beat the All Blacks you have to be courageous and play some rugby. You have to score tries and I think we have picked a team capable of doing that."

Lions: L Williams (Wales); A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), B Te'o, E Daly; O Farrell (all England), C Murray (Ireland); M Vunipola, J George (both England), T Furlong (Ireland), AW Jones (Wales), G Kruis (England), P O'Mahony (capt), S O'Brien (both Ireland), T Faletau (Wales). Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler, M Itoje (both England), S Warburton, R Webb (both Wales), J Sexton (Ireland), L Halfpenny (Wales).