SO, WHO’S GOING TO WIN THE FIRST TEST?

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD (World Cup winning coach) NEW ZEALAND 23 LIONS 2 If the Lions can keep the penalty count to below seven they have every chance, anything more than that will just give too much possession and territory to the world’s No 1 team. This game will go down to the wire. CHRIS FOY (Rugby Correspondent) NEW ZEALAND 2 LIONS 18 The series opener is on a knifeedge. The All Blacks haven’t lost at Eden Park for 23 years, but that record will be under more pressure than they have faced in a long time. Yet, Steve Hansen’s side are largely settled and have familiarity on their side. They are ready, but so are the Lions... JEREMY GUSCOTT (1989, 1993 and 1997 Lion) NEW ZEALAND 21 LIONS 28 The Lions will be superior in the setpiece and will win the territorial battle which will lead to kickable penalties. They will also create try-scoring chances — as they have all tour — and with Liam Williams, Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly in the back three, hopefully they will finish off a couple. The Lions defence needs to be massive though, without it there can be no win. SCOTT HASTINGS (1989 and 1993 Lion) NEW ZEALAND 18 LIONS 21 The Lions are still underdogs. The All Blacks are a phenomenal team and start as favourites. In sport though, underdogs win sometimes and these Lions can claim a famous win tomorrow. They had their teething problems but you can see them growing as a group and a team in front of your eyes. They have great

camaraderie and that counts for a lot in these huge matches. PETER WINTERBOTTOM (1983 and 1993 Lion) NEW ZEALAND 1 LIONS 22 I’ve been so impressed with how the Lions have timed their effort after a poor start and such a difficult schedule. The Crusaders match is what gives me great hope. They bossed a powerful pack and neutered a class back division. Much of the same will be needed tomorrow. I still think the All Blacks could be a little rusty. The Samoa warm-up didn’t test their pack at all. BEN CLARKE (1993 Lion) NEW ZEALAND 22 LIONS 25 This is a brave squad and Gatland’s selected boldly. They’re gathering momentum nicely and will go to another level tomorrow. They have to and they know that. The pack is developing into some unit, capable of dictating terms and either dominating territory or forcing penalties. It will be a nailbiter! NIK SIMON (Rugby reporter) NEW ZEALAND 26 LIONS 15 The All Blacks have averaged 45 points per game over their last 10 matches and have not lost at Eden Park since 1994. Warren Gatland has gambled with his back-three but it’s hard to see them matching the Kiwi firepower. WILL KELLEHER (Rugby reporter) NEW ZEALAND 1 LIONS 19 I can’t quite believe I am predicting a Lions win against the mighty All Blacks but I just feel they can play on a complacent bunch of Kiwis. The penalty count must be less than six and the defence must be water-tight to stop the best side in the world.