After weeks of anticipation and a mixed bag of results coming out of the warm up games, the first Test is almost here.
den Park will host arguably the biggest rugby game since the World Cup final in 2015 and the stage is set for what should be a pulsating game of rugby between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions.
The All Blacks are the best team on the planet, with the best players on the planet. They often push aside teams like Australia and South Africa with ease and when you think they can’t get any better, they just keep improving.
With world class players of their own, the Lions will be a tough challenge for their opponents and if their recent performances are anything to go by, they will be stronger than many people think.
The Lions have an uphill battle in order to clinch a series win and winning the first Test is a key foundation builder.
The game will be won and lost in a number of key areas and with the first test upon us, let’s take a look at them.
The Set Piece
To beat the All Blacks, you need a near faultless performance. You also need a strong base from your set piece. This is considered to be the Lions’ main strength. Strong line out jumpers and a dominant scrum have meant they have controlled warm up games from the set piece on many occasions. However, they may struggle to dominate this area when competing with the likes of Brodie Retallick in the lineout and Joe Moody in the scrum.
Key Men – Peter O’Mahony & Brodie Retallick
The Aerial Battle
Ben Smith, who is likely to start at fullback for the All Blacks, is one of the best players under the high ball in the world. Liam Williams showed his ‘enthusiasm’ when he was yellow carded but he is normally secure under the high ball. It will be an interesting battle between those two but even more interesting will be the battle between the wingers.
Israel Dagg and Waisake Naholo are key to the All Blacks success and winning the aerial dogfight against their opposite numbers will allow them to set up a solid attacking base. The Lions simply cannot afford to kick loose or too far and give the dangerous back three a chance to run at them.
Key men – Liam Williams & Israel Dagg
The Fly-Halves
Beauden Barrett is, in my opinion, the best player in the world. If the Lions don’t shut him down, they will lose.
What they did to Damian McKenzie was brilliant. They forced him deep so he couldn’t take the ball to the line where he is most dangerous. If they do this to Barrett, they have a chance.
Owen Farrell is unpredictable with the ball in his hands and can change the game in no time. The All Blacks must shut down the Lions’ number 10 or they will opportunites.
Key men- Owen Farrell & Beauden Barrett
Opportunities
Time after time in the warm up games, the Lions have been five metres from their opponents line and come away with just three points. They cannot afford to keep doing that.
Yes, an early penalty can calm nerves and settle people into the game but they must come away with seven points when they are that close.
New Zealand showed how often they take theirs, scoring 78 points against Samoa. Simply, whoever takes their opportunities will win the game.
Going through the forwards is fine but giving out through the backs will be more beneficial.
The centres provide the chances here and both sides must convert every opportunity they have.