NEWPORT Gwent Dragons and Wales star Michael Owen will lead out the British Lions in their opening game against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on Monday night.

Grand Slam winning Wales skipper Owen was a surprise choice to captain the Lions team but with Sir Clive Woodward deciding to rest tour captain Brian O'Dris-coll, the Lions coach turned to a Welshman to take the role on home soil.

Owen will be assisted by Newcastle Falcons fly half Jonny Wilkinson who will take the number ten jersey as well as the vice-captaincy role on the night.

Dragons forward Owen is joined in the starting XV by fellow Welshmen Shane Williams (wing) and clubmate Gareth Cooper (scrum half).

Elsewhere, Geordan Mur-phy starts at fullback and is joined by fellow Irish internationals Denis Hickie (wing), Gordon D'arcy (centre), Shane Byrne (hooker), John Hayes (prop) and Malcolm O'Kelly (lock).

In naming his side Woodward said: "I'm delighted that we can finally get down to the serious business of playing rugby.

"I think that if we can get things right off the field then on it we can be very successful. This has got the makings of a very successful Lions side and it gives these players a great chance to show what they can do in the opening fixture."

On Michael Owen he said: "I'm pleased that Michael has accepted the captaincy, he's had a fantastic Six Nations and my decision to choose him reflects this.

"It will be a special occasion for him to lead the team out and even more so when you consider he will be doing it on home soil.

"It wasn't easy leaving out Brian O'Driscoll but I want to give him every opportunity to captain the Lions side in that first Lions fixture against New Zealand and I need to look at different options."

Several players weren't considered for Monday's game, including Gavin Henson and Tom Shanklin, who are both injured, and Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones, who are both involved with their clubs in France.