Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has named Jonny Wilkinson at second five-eighths for the first test against the All Blacks at Jade Stadium, Christchurch, on Saturday.
He will play outside Welsh first five-eighths Stephen Jones and inside Irish centre Brian O'Driscoll, the tour captain.
Wilkinson's shift however will strengthen the
Lions' tactical kicking game if Jade Stadium is wet.
Jason Robinson, who has played on the wing so far on tour, will revert to fullback with Josh Lewsey named on the right wing and Gareth Thomas on the left wing.
Woodward has picked a strong pack. The back three in the forwards are all English -- Martin Corry at No 8, the test vice-captain, Neil Back at openside flanker and Richard Hill on the blindside side.
Woodward has gone for England's Ben Kay to partner Ireland's Paul O'Connell at lock with the front row combination being Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Shane Byrne (Ireland) and Julian White (England).
Wales' Dwyane Peel, as expected, is the halfback, picked ahead of England's Matt Dawson.
Woodward has eight Englishmen, four Welsh and three Irish in his run-on side.
Team:
Jason Robinson (England) - fullback
Josh Lewsey (England) - wing
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland, captain) - midfield
Jonny Wilkinson (England) - midfield
Gareth Thomas (Wales) - wing
Stephen Jones (Wales) - first five-eight
Dwayne Peel (Wales) - halfback
Martin Corry (England, vice-captain) - No 8
Neil Back (England) - flanker
Richard Hill (England) - flanker
Ben Kay (England) - lock
Paul O'Connell (Ireland) - lock
Julian White (England) - prop
Shane Byrne (Ireland) - hooker
Gethin Jenkins (Wales) - prop
Reserves:
Steve Thompson (England), Graham Rowntree (England), Danny Grewcock (England), Ryan Jones (Wales), Matt Dawson (England), Will Greenwood (England), Shane Horgan (Ireland)
- NZPA
