Tough call

the Lions “squeeze the life” out of the Maori in Saturday’s 32-10 triumph.

Warburton continues to chase full match sharpness, and could well take a seat on the bench for Saturday’s first All Blacks Test in Auckland.

“There’s no doubt that there’s some pressure on certain players and certain combinations have gone well,” said Gatland, when quizzed on Warburton’s situation.

“A lot of those guys who played against the Crusaders did exceptionally well, and the performance against the Maori, we dominated territory and possession, and we squeezed the life out them, an unbelievably talented backline that just went nowhere.

“For Sam, look, we were hoping he was going to be part of the 23 against the Crusaders. Unfortunately he rolled his ankle a little bit so hadn’t recovered in time.

“So he had time against the Highlanders and we were able to give him time on Saturday. So there will be some tough debates and discussions to have on the final make-up of what the backrow is going to be for this coming Saturday.”

Gatland “always confident” Owen Farrell would be fit for the first Test, despite the England fly-half still battling a thigh issue.

Leigh Halfpenny must complete the head-injury protocols to start at full-back against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday - so Liam Williams has been handed a chance to impress at 15 against the Chiefs.

Jonathan Joseph’s omission from the 23 to face the Chiefs in Hamilton also raises the prospect of the England centre taking a seat on the bench against the All Blacks for the Test series opener.

Rory Best will captain the