Lions Tour 2017: The key battles that could decide the first test

All Blacks captain Kieran Read. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

The line-ups for the eagerly anticipated first Test between New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions were announced on Wednesday night.

Warren Gatland sprung a surprise by including Liam Williams and Elliot Daly in his back three ahead of George North and Leigh Halfpenny while youngster Rieko Ioane has been selected ahead of the talismanic Julian Savea on the All Blacks' wing.

Here, Sportsmail's Nik Simon runs through the key battles from the starting XVs...

THE CAPTAINS - Peter O'Mahony v Kieran Read

Otherwise known as the 'Munster Mongrel', O'Mahony offers a hard, gritty and abrasive edge. He captained Munster's remarkable run following the death of coach Anthony Foley last year and has been mentored by Paul O'Connell.

At 31, Read is four years his senior and has led the All Blacks' post-World Cup transition following the retirement of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

THE PLAYMAKERS - Owen Farrell v Beauden Barrett

The warrior against the wizard. Farrell leads with his body language - barking orders, taking on the big men and attacking the line.

His opposite No 10, who is the reigning World Player of the Year, has the full bag of tricks and can serve up game-changing moments with an off-the-cuff kick, interception or break through a gap.

THE CODE SWITCHERS - Ben Te'o v Sonny Bill Williams

It could be an all Kiwi match-up in midfield. Both centres were born in Auckland before making their name in Australia, where they faced off in rugby league.

How the Lions deal with the magical offloading abilities of Williams could be key to winning the series and Te'o's experience and strength would play a part.

THE ENFORCERS - Alun Wyn Jones v Brodie Retallick

So much more than bludgeoning second rows. Retallick may look like an oversized librarian but he is a no-nonsense operator with subtle handling skills.

Jones, selected ahead of Maro Itoje, is a qualified lawyer who offers years of know-how and is known to stare out team-mates when they step out of line.

THE NEXT BIG THINGS - Elliot Daly v Rieko Ioane

Superstars could be born over the next couple of weeks. The All Black No 11 jersey has been worn by some famous names - including the legendary Jonah Lomu - and 20-year-old Rieko Ioane is the next in line.

Eyebrows were raised by the omission of the prolific Julian Savea but Ioane offers a blend of pace and power, in contrast to Elliot Daly's style and subtle touch.