Rob Henderson has been called up forSaturday's first test against Australia, but England full-back Iain Balshaw and openside flanker Neil Back were the surprise omissions fromthe Lions team named today.
Back has injured ribs and coach Graham Henry wanted to save him for the second and third tests.
Martin Corry, called up from England's tour to Canada as a replacement for Scotland's Simon Taylor, is named as blindside flanker and is one of 11 players to win a first Lions cap.
Richard Hill moves to openside, with Wales' Scott Quinnell at Number 8.
Henry said Hill played openside flanker for his club and was world class in that position.
"Martin Corry has shown urgency and edge around the field. His contribution has been A plus," Henry also said.
Corry is normally confined to the England replacements' bench by Back, Hill and Lawrence Dallaglio, who had to pull out of the tour injured onSunday.
Matt Perry replaces Balshaw at full-back in a reversal of their fortunes at England level. "We picked on form," Henry said. "Matt Perry has played well on tour. Iain Balshaw is a little bit off the pace."
Lions: Matt Perry (Eng), Daffyd James (Wal), Brian O'Driscoll (Irl), Rob Henderson (Irl), Jason Robinson (Eng), Jonny Wilkinson (Eng), Rob Howley (Wal),Scott Quinnell (Wal), Richard Hill (Eng), Martin Corry (Eng), Danny Grewcock (Eng), Martin Johnson (Eng, capt), Phil Vickery (Eng), Keith Wood(Ire), Tom Smith (Sco).
Replacements: Jason Leonard (Eng), Gordon Bulloch (Sco), Colin Charvis (Wal), Martyn Williams (Wal), Matt Dawson (Eng), Austin Healey (Eng),Iain Balshaw (Eng.
AFP