FORMER Thornbury Bronco Mako Vunipola has survived the cull for the British and Irish Lions showdown Test against the New Zealand All Blacks on Saturday.

There was a lot of expectation that Vunipola would be dropped to the bench in favour of Ireland’s Jack McGrath after he had a shocking game in the second Test 24-21 victory in Wellington.

However, Lions head coach Warren Gatland has stuck with the Saracens prop for the game in Auckland.

British and Irish Lions team to face New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday: L Williams (Wales), A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), O Farrell, E Daly (both England), J Sexton, C Murray (both Ireland), M Vunipola, J George (both England), T Furlong (Ireland), M Itoje (England), A W Jones, S Warburton (both Wales, capt), S O'Brien (Ireland), T Faletau (Wales).

Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler (England), C Lawes (England), CJ Stander (Ireland), R Webb (Wales), B Te'o, J Nowell (both England).