Ready to roar on hallowed ground

So many factors swing test matches but perhaps the one most stacked against the Lions tonight they appear bullish about overcoming.

Eden Park, fortress oh fortress, has witnessed two World Cup triumphs from the All Blacks and stands unblemished over the past 23 years. Lions lock Maro Itoje was not born the last time the All Blacks lost there in 1994 to France, who needed the famous try from the end of the earth to pull it off.

Thirty-seven matches unbeaten since, and the one occasion the Lions played at the Garden of Eden they were humbled 38-19 in the 2005 third test.

Just for good measure, the All Blacks are also unbeaten anywhere at home since dual losses in 2009 to France and South Africa.

Such records are not formed by chance. Eden Park is a place of comfort for the Blues (yes, even the Blues) and All Blacks, regularly evoking a lift in significant matches.

Yet from coaches to players, all week the Lions have dropped references to the All Blacks’ phenomenal record here. It has clearly been discussed and a mantra settled on.

Warren Gatland backed up calls for the Lions to be bold and courageous by stating the record was ‘‘there to be broken’’.

Classy Irish halfback Conor Murray delivered his thoughts with similar conviction.

With two of the three tests at Auckland’s national stadium, the Lions have no choice but to believe they will be the team to breakthrough.

‘‘We’re all aware of it. We’ve all played at Eden Park and know how tough it is to win here.

‘‘This is a whole new team, a whole new pod of players with massive talent and I think we’re more excited about that.’’