A sea of red has invaded Auckland, Warren Gatland’s Lions set to be backed by thousands of supporters who will outnumber those from New Zealand at Eden Park. A remarkable atmosphere is expected with everything on the line for both teams.
For the All Blacks, it’s a chance to maintain their status as the world’s best team and follow their back-to-back World Cup wins with with yet more success. For the Lions, the prize is even greater.
A first series win in New Zealand since 1971 is within touching distance, Sam Warburton and his men just 80 minutes away from emulating the heroes of 46 years ago.
“The players have an opportunity to leave a legacy. In 11 Lions tours of New Zealand there has only ever been one win,” Gatland said.
“They have the chance to achieve something special and you don’t want that chance to pass you by. We said coming to New Zealand that we wanted to be good tourists on and off the field and I think we’ve done that. People expected us to play a pretty turgid style, but I think we’ve played some great rugby. We’ve stressed the All Blacks at times and scored some great tries.
“These kind of tours are incredibly special and you always want to be known as a winner – that’s ultimately what the aim was when we left for these shores.”
In the toughest rugby nation on the planet, it’s remarkable that the Lions are not only still in with a shot, but also going into the final game of the three-match series with the more settled team.
Gatland has named an unchanged side from the one which emerged 24-21 winners in the second Test in Wellington. It’s the first time a Lions Test side has continued from one game to the next since 1993 and offers the tourists rare continuity at the end of a long season.
Warburton captains the side, with Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje at lock. Sean O’Brien and Taulupe Faletau join
Warburton in the back-row and the Lions must match the All Blacks physically up front if they are to have any chance of success. Do that, and they give twin playmakers Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell the chance to put their stamp on proceedings.
Warburton in the back-row and the Lions must match the All Blacks physically up front if they are to have any chance of success. Do that, and they give twin playmakers Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell the chance to put their stamp on proceedings.
“Everyone is well aware of how important this game is. Our fans had a huge impact in Wellington and I’m looking forward to great atmosphere on Saturday,” Gatland said.
“There is no pressure on the players, after this they will go back to their clubs and international sides and for some of them, I won’t be their coach anymore. There is always pressure on the coaches and that’s part of the expectation that comes with a job like this.
“The one surprise I had with the All Blacks was Julian Savea being called back, but we haven’t spoken too much about them. We have concentrated on ourselves and when their team was announced, we didn’t even mention their individuals. There are some things we need to improve on, but the boys are just excited by the fact we are only scratching the surface of where we can get. We know we have another level in us and that’s incredibly exciting.”
The Lions have both momentum and confidence on their side, but deep down they’ll know they have to improve further. The All Blacks were severely hindered by Sonny Bill Williams’ red card last weekend and have shuffled their pack this.
Ngani Laumape takes Williams’ spot at inside centre and both he and full-back Jordie Barrett will make their first Test starts for their country. What an occasion on which to do it.
Julian Savea also returns on the left wing, while No 8 and captain Kieran Read wins his 100th cap.
Read said: “The guys are certainly excited. I think you come off a loss and there’s a bit of edge around and guys want to get back out there and have another crack.
“Fortunately we’ve got that opportunity. The reality is we know what’s coming up. It’s a three-match series and this was always going to be the case if we lost one of those first two games. We’re focused on Saturday night. It’s an awesome opportunity, so we’re looking forward to it.”
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
Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa
British & Irish 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
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