Gatland chasing history

WARREN GATLAND has challenged his players to create a legacy like the Lions heroes of 1971 by beating the All Blacks.

The tourists have not won a series in New Zealand since the great Gareth Edwards, Barry John and JPR Williams were victorious here 46 years ago.

With the series tied 1-1, the Lions are a victory away from glory and Gatland wants the class of 2017 to create their own history at Eden Park tomorrow.

‘It’s an opportunity that hasn’t come around since 1971 and a chance to do something special,’ said Gatland. ‘The players have an opportunity to leave a legacy, don’t they?

‘In 11 Lions tours of New Zealand there has only ever been one win. You get those moments in your life and you don’t want those to pass you by.’

Gatland wants his team to win hearts and minds, having been branded ‘pathetic’ and ‘incompetent’ at the start of the tour.

‘You always want to be known as a winner and that’s what the aim was when we left for these shores. People expected us to come here and kick the leather off it, drive every single lineout, and try to scrummage people to death.

‘We haven’t done that. We’ve played a good brand and people have been surprised by that.

‘Hopefully we leave on Saturday having earned the respect of the New Zealand public and secured the future of the Lions.’