It won’t be plain sailing, a chance to make waves

What’s also noticeable is how little they have spoken about the All Blacks.

There have been plenty of times in the past when I have heard teams talk in reverential terms about the Kiwis ahead of facing them. You almost felt they were beaten before a ball was kicked, such was the aura surrounding the opposition.

You don’t get that feeling with these Lions. There’s respect, don’t get me wrong, and the expectation of a huge challenge. But the focus seems to be very much on themselves and what they want to do.

If anything, it’s the All Blacks who appear to be the ones focused on the opposition, in a real role reversal from the norm.

Their team selection certainly seems to be a response to what the Lions have brought to the party.

They have gone big, with the selection of Ngani Laumape and Julian Savea behind, to try and get back on top in the collisions.

And they have gone for a sizeable boot at full-back in Jordie Barrett, suggesting they are going to play a kicking game, while he seems likely to take the shots at goal in place of his elder brother Beauden.

Once again, it makes for a fascinating role reversal.

It’s the All Blacks who seem to be going for power and a kicking strategy – Hansenball if you like.

In contrast, it’s the Lions who have played most of the rugby during this series so far.

And there seems little intention to alter course, with Gatland having stuck with the same attack-minded backs in an unchanged team.

With dual playmakers at 10-12 in Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell, a gainline-breaking facilitator at 13 in Jonathan Davies and three speedsters in the back three, the stall is set out. They are here to play.

What you also have with these Lions is huge experience, with nine of