The British and Irish Lions' New Zealand-born centre Jared Payne has been ruled out of Saturday's tour opener against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians with a calf strain, the team said on the eve of the match.
The 31-year-old Ireland centre, who would have been in line for a homecoming at the game in Whangarei having played for Northland in New Zealand's provincial competition, has been replaced on the bench by England's Elliot Daly.
The Lions, who arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday, leave Auckland later on Friday to travel north to Whangarei for Saturday's game at Okara Park.
The Barbarians are comprised of players from New Zealand's semi-professional provincial competition and considered the easiest opposition the Lions will face on their gruelling tour.
The Lions will also play all five Super Rugby teams, the Maori All Blacks and three tests against the All Blacks.
The Lions take on the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday night, kicking off at 5:35pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
TEAM
Lions to face New Zealand Provincial Barbarians
1 . Joe Marler
2. Rory Best
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Iain Henderson
6. Ross Moriarty
7. Sam Warburton (c)
8. Taulupe Faletau
9. Greig Laidlaw
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Tommy Seymour
12. Ben Te'o
13. Jonathan Joseph
14. Anthony Watson
15. Stuart Hogg.
Reserves
16. Jamie George
17. Mako Vunipola,
18. Tadhg Furlong,
19. George Kruis
20. Justin Tipuric
21. Rhys Webb
22. Owen Farrell
23. Elliot Daly
