Blues v Lions: Top Three Battles

As the Lions roar into Auckland to face Tana Umaga's Blues side, with eight current or former All Blacks in his side, we take a look at the exciting battles that will commence at Eden Park on Wednesday morning (BST).

Following a lacklustre opening display against the NZ Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei, Ken Owens will look to lead the Lions to a much improved all-round performance.

The Lions coaching staff have named a starting XV full of combinations from their chosen countries after scrambling to build their attacking identity.

Maro Itoje starts in the second row with Courtney Lawes, Robbie Henshaw joins fellow Ireland centre Jared Payne in midfield, while Ospreys pairing Rhys Webb & Dan Biggar start at half-back.

CJ Stander v Steven Luatua

Bristol-bound loose-forward Luatua faces off against Munster No. 8 CJ Stander in a mouth-watering back row contest. The powerful South-African born runner will try to get his side over the gainline early on in proceedings.

After Taulupe Faletau impressed in the opening game with his direct style of running and offloading game, Stander will look to build on that effort coming off an excellent season with Munster.

Stander has an uncanny ability to break tackles, stay on his feet and make the hard yards for his team. He has won 15 caps for Ireland and scored 10 tries this season.

Luatua has won 10 caps for the All Blacks and has played 10 times this season in Super Rugby, as this will be his final shot at the Lions, he will be looking to go out in style in front of his home fans.

Augustin Pulu v Rhys Webb

The dual between the two nines will be fascinating on Wednesday. Pulu made the switch from the Chiefs to the Blues to get a starting spot after playing back-up to Tawera Kerr-Barlow and it has paid off handsomely.

A powerful and energetic player who is a constant threat, Pulu has the ability to create space and consistently troubles opposing defences, with 5 tries and 7 try assists this season, he is one to keep a close eye on.

Webb makes his first start in a Lions jersey and will have the comfort of his fellow Ospreys and Wales fly-half at out-half.

Known for his sniping ability around the breakdown, the likely back up to Conor Murray in the Test series can enhance his claims on Wednesday in Eden Park.

Charlie Famauina v Jack McGrath

The cornerstone of the Blues front row, Faumauina plays most of his rugby at tighthead but has the ability to play loosehead as well.

His performances in Super Rugby this season have highlighted his deft footwork and ball skills which have contributed to his two tries and three try assists.

He is one of the most mobile props in the game and faces a scrummaging machine in Leinster's Jack McGrath.

The dependable loose-head has been one of the most consistent performers for club and country in recent years. 

The heavy weight tussle on Wednesday is sure to excite scrummaging enthusiats across the globe.