Lions bench Warburton for Maori All Blacks

WELLINGTON - Tour captain Sam Warburton has been relegated to the bench for the British and Irish Lions clash against the Maori All Blacks on Saturday, just a week before the first Test.

Munster and Ireland's Peter O'Mahony will take over as captain for a match the tourists regard as an unofficial fourth Test.

After Warburton sputtered in a disappointing 23-22 loss to the Highlanders, coach Warren Gatland had no qualms about handing flanker O'Mahony the skipper's armband.