All three Scotland representatives in the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand have been picked to play the opening tour match.

Glasgow Warriors pair Tommy Seymour and Stuart Hogg will start the game against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday at their respective wing and full back positions.

Scotland's Greig Laidlaw, drafted in late on as a replacement for Ben Youngs, will combine at half-back with Ireland's Johnny Sexton.

Sam Warburton will captain the Lions in the match, leading out nine debutants and five other stars returning from the 2013 tour in Saturday's tour opener in Whangarei.

Head coach Warren Gatland said: "We are lucky to have some real leaders in the squad and to be able to select them for this match in the likes of Rory Best, Alun Wyn Jones and Greig Laidlaw.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what Greig can do alongside Johnny Sexton who both are experienced half-backs.

"It is also great to have Sam starting in the first game of the tour, something he didn't do in 2013 and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do this weekend."

The Lions face Super Rugby outfit the Blues in Auckland next Wednesday, leaving coach Warren Gatland hopeful his side can make a fast start this weekend.

He added: "The balance of the squad is really good, we have selected the majority of players who were together for the training weeks in Wales and Ireland and they have worked together and prepared well for a number of weeks.

"It is important these guys get a run early and lay down a marker for others to follow.

"We've picked the team for Saturday but it is still the plan to try and give the whole squad a start in the next two matches.

"It is important the players get that opportunity, because if they go well and the team goes well, they put themselves in the shop window for a Test start."