Rugby: Wood named as Lions' first skipper

Ireland captain Keith Wood will lead the Lions in Friday’s tour opener against Western Australia at the WACA.

Wood has been handed the honour while tour skipper Martin Johnson sits out the first match, and takes charge of a team that includes nine debutants.

Lions coach Graham Henry has pulled an immediate surprise in selection, naming Ireland’s gifted young centre Brian O’Driscoll at full-back.

Henry is looking at all options ahead of the Test series against Australia, which starts in Brisbane on June 30, and he is conscious of finding sufficient cover in that position.

Friday’s team features seven Englishman, four from Wales and four Irishman.

The full team is: B O’Driscoll (Ireland); B Cohen (England), W Greenwood (England), M Taylor (Wales), D Luger (England); R O’Gara (Ireland), R Howley (Wales); D Morris (Wales), K Wood (Ireland, capt), P Vickery (England), D Grewcock (England), M O’Kelly (Ireland), R Hill (England), N Back (England), S Quinnell (Wales).

Replacements: I Balshaw (England), R Henderson (Ireland), A Healey (England), S Taylor (Scotland), J Davidson (Ireland), J Leonard (England), R McBryde (Wales).