New Zealand v British and Irish Lions: Everything you need to know
After years of anticipation stretching back to the fateful and anticlimactic tour of 2005, the outcome of the British and Irish Lions’ long-awaited series against New Zealand will come down to 80 intense minutes at the All Blacks‘ Eden Park fortress on Saturday.
The world champions have not lost in Auckland since 1994 and were predictably dominant there in the series opener two weeks ago, when a Rieko Ioane brace in the second half neutralised the Lions’ thrilling breakaway try, scored by Sean O’Brien, the hosts running out 30-15 winners.
It was a different, more intriguing story last weekend in Wellington, where Sonny Bill Williams’ indiscipline – he was sent off after just 24 minutes for a shoulder charge to Anthony Watson’s face – opened the door, and the visitors duly barged through. Tries from Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray made the victory possible and Owen Farrell’s unerring accuracy from the kicking tee finished the job.
The England fly-half’s boot is likely to be vital again in the decider, should the Lions remain in the contest against a New Zealand team who will not only be back to a full complement of players but also stinging with the pain of a rare reverse.
The hosts’ coach Steve Hansen has made three changes for the finale, with Jordie Barrett taking over at full-back in the continued absence of Ben Smith, who is suffering from an ear problem. That role was occupied by Israel Dagg in the second Test, but he reverts to the wing in this one, Waisake Naholo making way.
Julian Savea, on the verge of becoming the All Blacks’ record Test try-scorer and an unexpected absentee from the first two encounters, finally comes into the XV for Ioane. Ngani Laumape takes over from the suspended Williams at inside centre for what is captain Kieran Read’s 100th appearance. Gatland’s Lions, meanwhile, are unchanged.
HEAD TO HEAD
New Zealand: 30
British and Irish Lions: 7
Draw: 3
KEY PLAYERS
Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
Much is expected of every All Black newcomer, but there can be few more searching examinations for a player making his first start than taking on the British and Irish Lions in a series decider.
That is the challenge that awaits Barrett on Saturday, as the youngest brother of Beauden and Scott, the latter among the replacements, joins his siblings in the New Zealand fold, having made his debut off the bench against Samoa.
Mako Vunipola (British and Irish Lions)
Loosehead prop Vunipola was said to be in the selection firing line for the decider after struggling against All Blacks tighthead Owen Franks in the scrum during the second Test, while also conceding four penalties and being sent to the sin bin.
Warren Gatland, though, has kept faith with the Saracens forward, who now has an opportunity to reward his coach and play a part in what could be a famous Lions triumph.
THE LINE-UPS
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.
British and Irish Lions: Liam Williams, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Davies, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton, Sean O’Brien, Taulupe Faletau.
PRE-MATCH TALK
Steve Hansen (New Zealand): “Is the Lions series usually significant? Of course it is because it only happens once every 12 years. Will it define this team and will it define the people in this team? No.
“Because there’s a heck of a lot more of this story to be written. But what it will do, win lose or draw, is, as I said before, it will make this team stronger. And that will be good.”
Warren Gatland (British and Irish Lions): “You get those moments in your life and you don’t want those moments to pass you by, that is what big occasions and big sporting events are about.
“You have got to be excited, it is a pressure that you relish. This is what you do all the training for, you want those moments and sometimes they don’t come around that often.”
OPTA STATS
– The Lions have won their third Test on each of their last two tours, though they haven’t won a third Test against the All Backs since a 13-3 victory in 1971.
– New Zealand are undefeated (W6, D1) in their last seven Tests against the Lions at Eden Park, including wins in each of their last five by an average margin of 17 points.
– Victory for the Lions would see them win just their second ever Test series against the All Blacks after taking two wins and a draw from a four-game series in 1971.
– The Lions have won four of their last six Tests, however they will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the All Blacks for the first time in history.
– The last time the All Blacks lost consecutive fixtures on home turf was against Australia and South Africa in the 1998 Tri-Nations; while the last time any team beat the All Blacks twice during a single tour to New Zealand was France in 1994.
– Kieran Read is set to play his 100th Test for the All Blacks, becoming just the seventh New Zealand player to reach a century of Test caps.
Comments on RugbyPass
You know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
2 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
2 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to comments