5 talking points ahead of the First Lions Test

23 June 2017 09:39

The eagerly-awaited Test series between world champions New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions kicks off in Auckland on Saturday.

Here, we identify some of the main talking points ahead of what should be a colossal opening encounter at Eden Park.

HOW CAN THE LIONS OVERCOME THE WORLD CHAMPIONS?

It will take a Herculean effort for the Lions to claim a first victory over New Zealand since 1993. In 38 meetings, they have won just six, drawn three and lost 29. The Lions will require an immaculate and dominant set-piece game for starters, knowing their scrum and line-out basics cannot desert them, but they are then likely to need far more than that, with game-breaking players like Anthony Watson, Liam Williams and Elliot Daly needing opportunities to showcase their attacking flair and try-scoring potential. The Lions have virtually no room for error.

THE LIONS WILL NEED TO STORM FORTRESS EDEN PARK

As if the Lions' degree of difficulty was not acute enough, facing a mighty All Blacks team away from home, Saturday's Test is at Eden Park, where New Zealand have not lost since July 1994. France were the last team to beat them in Auckland, since when a long undefeated run has seen them reel off 37 successive victories, including a staggering 14 wins against Australia. They also average 35 points a game during that time, so if the Lions were to triumph this weekend, it would rank among their greatest achievements.

WHO ARE THE KEY LIONS MEN?

All 23 of them, basically - starting XV and replacements. The Lions require a huge collective effort if they are to trouble New Zealand, and it might even come down to the impact made by the respective replacements' benches, where the Lions look to have a considerable edge. Big contributions can be expected from the likes of Maro Itoje, Sam Warburton and Johnny Sexton in that area, while Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb could cause damage as a substitute with his lightning pace and line-breaks. The Lions look strong in all key areas, but whether it will be enough, remains to be seen.

TIME FOR THE MIND GAMES TO STOP

A seemingly endless first Test build-up has been punctuated by rival coaches Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen having their say on all kinds of issues, from blocking of runners, to team selection and even Gatland suggesting that All Blacks supremo Hansen might be "a little bit worried" heading into the Tests. It is almost time for the rugby to do the talking, though, and it will not be a moment too soon. It could well be a case of same-again when the Test series roadshow rolls into Wellington next week, but the series will be remembered for what happens on the pitch, not off it.

HISTORY IS STACKED AGAINST THE LIONS

The Lions are hardly alone in terms of them struggling to win in New Zealand. Many teams from many nations have also come unstuck against the All Blacks, but one glance at the Lions' overall record - six victories from 38 starts - shows how much New Zealand have dominated them. Those wins came in 1930, 1959, 1971 (twice), 1977 and 1993, while their only Test series triumph was 46 years ago. Many consider them to be long shots in a two-horse race, but Gatland has packed his team with pace and power, and anyone writing the Lions off might be left with egg on their face.

Source: PA