‘We must be bold, take risks and score tries’

replaced. I know how good Ioane is but this is a big game for everyone.”

Just how big is illustrated by the army of red that has descended on Auckland ahead of the game and Lions captain Peter O’Mahony hopes their swelling numbers can tip the balance as they attempt to end New Zealand’s 23-year unbeaten record at Eden Park.

“It’s a huge task obviously with the calibre of player New Zealand have and their record at Eden Park is impressive, but it’s going to be a different animal at the weekend. There are going to be 20,000-odd Lions fans there,” said O’Mahony.

Gatland wants the Lions to deploy the strong set piece that has been a staple of the tour against the All Blacks but also to surprise them with adventure.

“We’re happy with how our set piece is but I don’t know if it’s going to be enough playing a set piece-orientated game to try to grind them into the ground,” said Gatland.

“When we get the opportunity we’ve got to go and score some tries and that’s why our selection is the way it is.”

One of the biggest calls at the conclusion of an 80-minute selection meeting was the decision to name Saracens-bound Scarlet Liam Williams at full-back.

“He has played his way into the Test team by his performance,” said Gatland. “You know that every now and then there might be a brain explosion with Liam and we saw that with the yellow card [against the Blues], but we saw last year he caused the All Blacks problems with his running and attacking game.

“The message to the players before we came out to New Zealand was that to play the All Blacks you have to be bold and take risks.”

Gatland admitted preferring Alun Wyn Jones to start ahead of Maro Itoje was a “toss of a coin” affair but is banking on the contentious call yielding double dividends. “Alun Wyn Jones knows it was a big call between him and Maro and knows he has to go out and perform,” he said. “There was a long debate about whether Alun Wyn fighting for his position would bring the best out of him. Is Maro able to make a huge impact coming off the bench? Yes, I believe he can.” The bookmakers have New Zealand as strong favourites even if the rain that blew in yesterday and is predicted to extend to game day is seen as a leveller. The Lions recognise the huge challenge but Gatland is confident enough to have begun planning for next week’s second Test on the basis of a famous triumph. “We have even spoken as coaches that if we win, then you get a different animal of All Black next week and we will then be looking to potentially make a few changes,” he said.