Head coach Warren Gatland has resisted the temptation to tinker with his squad, instead sticking with the same 23 men that inflicted a 24-21 defeat on New Zealand in Wellington.
It means Wales flanker Sam Warburton continues as captain and is joined in the starting XV by Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies, Alun Wyn Jones and No 8 Taulupe Faletau.
Jones’ presence in the side means he will have played in every Lions Test in 2009, 2013 and 2017.
Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell continue in midfield, while Ken Owens and Rhys Webb are among the replacements.
Emphasising the importance of continuity, Gatland said: “It is not very often on a Lions tour you get to pick the same 23 for the following game.
“We felt we should reward the players for the result and the courage they showed in coming from behind from 18-9 down, digging themselves out of a hole, and then finishing strongly in that last 10 to 15 minutes.
“There are some players who are pretty disappointed not to be selected and I understand that. It is what you would expect from top competitive athletes, they back themselves.
“But we have stressed all along that this is not all about the 23 players but about everyone in the squad – they have put their disappointment behind them and are helping the match day squad prepare the best they can for the Test match.”
With the series locked at 1-1, the Lions are on the verge of history.
No Lions team has won in New Zealand since 1971, but to do that Gatland’s team will first have to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park, a venue where they last lost in 2004.
“We are all aware of how big this game is and we are expecting a backlash from the All Blacks,” Gatland said.
“But the pleasing thing about the second Test is just how strong we were in the last 10 or 15 minutes, in terms of energy and enthusiasm. We still feel there is another level in us.
“This is a huge chance for this group of players to show their abilities and reap the benefits of the work everyone has put in. It is their chance to make Lions history.”
While Gatland’s Lions have stuck to their selection guns, the All Blacks have rolled the dice.
Who’d have thought it would be the world’s best side changing things at this stage?
With Sonny Bill Williams suspended following his red card at Westpac Stadium, Ngani Laumape makes his first Test start at inside centre alongside Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield.
Jordie Barrett – brother of fly-half Beauden – will also begin his first Test match at full-back, with try machine Julian Savea recalled on the left wing in place of Rieko Ioane.
No 8 and captain Kieran Read will win his 100th cap.
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: “On behalf of the All Blacks and all of New Zealand, I’d like to congratulate Kieran on reaching the milestone of 100 Test matches. It’s a special achievement to play just one Test, so to play 100 is a remarkable effort.
“His playing ability speaks for itself and inspires others, and he now joins a unique group of special All Blacks. We’d also like to congratulate Jordie on making his first Test start in what will be a very memorable occasion for him.
“This final match in the DHL New Zealand Lions Series is going to be a cracker. It’s the series we expected it to be as the Lions have quality players. It now comes down to this Saturday – the winner takes all – and that’ll create its own unique pressures. It’s going to be interesting to see how both sides cope with it.
“We’ve had a good week of preparation and are very excited by the opportunity that’s ahead of us and I’m sure the Lions are as well. We know it’ll be a physical and intense match, but just as importantly, it’ll be a game where both teams will have moments of momentum, and the ability of everyone to adapt and adjust throughout the 80 minutes will be crucial.”
New Zealand: Jordie Barrett; Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (capt)
Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa
Lions: Liam Williams; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Davies, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton (capt), Sean O’Brien, Taulupe Faletau
Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te’o, Jack Nowell
