Payne to come off Lions bench on former home stadium

Former Taniwha captain Jared Payne will come off the bench for the British and Irish Lions on his former stomping ground. Photo/Photosport.nz

Former Northland captain Jared Payne will return to his former stomping ground off the bench for the British and Irish Lions.

The centre was a stalwart in his four years in the sky blue of the Taniwha but now will want a victory over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.

Lions coach Warren Gatland named an experienced side with Welsh flanker Sam Warburton leading the charge.

Payne, if given time off the bench, could come up against current Northland players Josh Goodhue and Matt Matich.