Maro Itoje will captain the British & Irish Lions for the first time after being selected to start the non-cap international against Argentina in Dublin on Friday. Itoje was one of nine England players in the starting XV announced on Wednesday for the Lions' tour opener,

Saracens flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez and Gloucester’s Bath-bound full-back Santiago Carreras are among a strong Premiership contingent. Argentina were also the warm-up opponents in 2005 when they held Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff.

Maro Itoje will captain the British and Irish Lions for the first time in their non-cap international against Argentina in Dublin on Friday. Itoje leads a starting XV that features Marcus Smith at full-back and will be directed by England half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith.