We’ll go up a gear for Lions
THE Lions have been warned the All Blacks will raise their game for a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to sink the tourists.
The message comes from Waisake Naholo, who thundered home for a smartly-taken try as the Highlanders beat the Lions 23-22 in Dunedin on Tuesday in a performance he hopes can secure him a starting berth for the three-Test series.
The Fiji-born flyer was released by the All Blacks to face the Lions as he sharpens up after hamstring trouble.
Warren Gatland’s side can expect to face the 26-year-old again in the first Test at Eden Park on June 24 – and Naholo tips New Zealand to hit new heights for a series that only rolls into town every 12 years.
“Every player always raises their game when they join up with the All Blacks,” he said.
“The expectation demands that and nothing less, so the level has to go up again. So it should be tougher for the Lions.
“The All Blacks are always massively prepared for every team and every challenge. Facing the Lions in a Test series is a once-in-a-lifetime chance and everyone knows how big that is.”
But for a fine last-ditch tackle from Jared Payne, Naholo would have scored two tries at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. And the potent strike runner hopes he has done enough to convince All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen he is worthy of a starting jersey for the Test series.
But Naholo says the All Blacks will not take the Lions lightly, despite the tourists having won only one Test series in New Zealand, in 1971.
“I was just excited for an opportunity like this, and hopefully I made a statement for the All Blacks,” said Naholo.
“I was hungry, excited and keen to get my hands on the ball.
“Tuesday’s game was like a Test match with the speed, intensity and collisions.
“It’s massive for the Highlanders to beat the Lions, it’s great for all the boys and everyone there.
“But the Lions were really tough. They keep changing their team and you don’t know what their strongest team is yet. I certainly don’t think the All Blacks will underestimate them.
“The Lions could put out a totally different team against the All Blacks, so we just have to see what happens.”