Six Irish players will start for the British and Irish Lions in their first match on Saturday against Japan.
The game, which takes place at Murrayfield, serves as preparation before they depart for their eight-game tour of South Africa.
Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw form the centre partnership, with Conor Murray chosen at scrum-half.
Iain Henderson starts in the second row, with Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan in the back row.
Tadhg Furlong is among the replacements, bringing the total Irish representation in the squad to seven.
“We’re anticipating a tough game against Japan – a side that like to play at a high-tempo and shift the ball,” said Gatland.
“We saw throughout the World Cup they have attacking threats across the park and a solid defence and set piece.
“I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made during our training camp in Jersey so far, but we’ve a long way to go. You can see that the squad are starting to get to grips with our game strategies, but, as always with a Lions Tour, this takes time to bed in.
“We’re in a good place though and I can tell there’s a lot more to come from this group.
“Everyone in the squad will get a start before the start of the Test Series, so each member of the squad can put their hand up for Test selection.
“We are absolutely delighted to be playing in front of sixteen thousand supporters in Edinburgh. I’m sure the crowd will give the players an enormous lift before we depart for South Africa on Sunday.”
The Lions' first game in South Africa is on July 3rd, with the first test on July 24th.
Starting XV
15. Liam Williams (Scarlets, Wales) #833
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #824
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby, Ireland)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)
10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, Wales) #821
9. Conor Murray (Munster Rugby, Ireland) #790
1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets, Wales) #829
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster Rugby, Ireland) #808
5. Alun Wyn Jones – Captain (Ospreys, Wales) #761
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby, Ireland)
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)
8. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby, Ireland)
Replacements:
- Jamie George (Saracens, England) #819
- Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales)
- Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #818
- Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, England) #826
- Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, Wales) #779
- Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
- Owen Farrell (Saracens, England) #780
- Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, England) #816
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
