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Wales hooker Ken Owens to lead Lions against Blues

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Wales hooker Ken Owens will captain the British and Irish Lions against a powerful Auckland-based Blues team in the second match of their New Zealand tour Wednesday.

The Lions coach Warren Gatland has stuck to his plan to give all 41 members of his touring squad a chance to play in the first three warm-up games by making 15 changes to the side that beat the Provincial Barbarians 13-7 on Saturday.

With a limited preparation, the Lions struggled against the Barbarians, a makeshift team comprised of amateurs and semi-professionals, and are expected to face a tougher challenge at Eden Park in the first-ever match between the Lions and a New Zealand Super Rugby side.