The gospel according to Eddie

Advantage to the British and Irish Lions. That’s the way England coach Eddie Jones sees next year’s gruelling tour of New Zealand.

Much has been made of the fact the Lions could be out on their feet by the end of their 10th match.

With a mix of pace, physicality and depth, there is no tougher assignment than venturing to the world’s No 1 ranked rugby nation and being asked to emerge out the other side with a first series win for the Lions since 1971.

Last time the Lions arrived in New Zealand in 2005, they were soundly swept 3-0.

On the back of a transformation that’s seen them win 13 tests in a row this year, Jones expects 10 to 15 England players to make the tour. He circled the first test at Eden Park as the defining match.

‘‘I think the first test will decide it all. It’s going to be an epic tour because it’s going to be the best chance the Lions have had to beat the All Blacks,’’ Jones told Stuff.

‘‘Northern Hemisphere rugby is in a pretty reasonable state. Ireland is doing well; England is doing well, Wales have done well. They’ve got a great coach in Warren Gatland. They’ve got depth in players to cover injuries which will happen on the tour. It should be a colossal tour.

‘‘Those three-test series you’ve got to win that first test. If you do that you’re in the box seat.’’

The Lions play six matches before that first test on June 24. That includes the Blues, Crusaders, Chiefs, Highlanders and New Zealand Maori; a run Jones believes could prove invaluable and hand the visitors the upper hand.

The All Blacks are notoriously scratchy to start the year. Assembling players from the five Super Rugby bases proves difficult with rust frequently evident, though Steve Hansen will get access to his men for two weeks rather than one.

‘‘What’s going to be interesting is the leadup games; how much form the Lions can get quickly against Super Rugby teams who are going to be firing. In reality they’re going to be playing three tests against the All Blacks but the Super games will be exacting.

‘‘I think there’s a potential advantage there for the Lions. Although it’s a bloody tough schedule everyone acknowledges that but it gives them a chance to adjust to the pace and the tempo that’s going to be played in New Zealand.

‘‘It’s different to anything else that’s played in the world. That will stand them in good stead where the All Blacks will be coming in off a Super Rugby season. We know Super Rugby, although it’s a great competition, is distinctly different from test rugby.’’

Jones was, however, glowing in his praise for the way the All Blacks had continued their dominance despite losing over 800 caps post World Cup, especially when compared to South Africa and Australia who suffered similar cleanouts.

‘‘It’s quite exceptional what they’ve done and that they’ve got the capacity to replace icons of the game so quickly. The gap they have between the best player and their next best player is a lot smaller than any other country in the world. It’s a great credit to New Zealand’s development system and their coaches.’’

Jones dismissed talk of England breaking the All Blacks’ record 18 consecutive wins over top tier opposition during next year’s Six Nations, and was unperturbed about not facing the world champions until 2018.

‘‘We don’t control when we play teams. We’ll each play 20 test matches before then so we’re not getting too excited about the prospect yet. We haven’t done anything yet that deserves any massive recognition.’’

"It's going to be an epic tour because it's going to be the best chance the Lions have had to beat the All Blacks." "It's quite exceptional what they've done and that they've got the capacity to replace icons of the game so quickly."