Talking point

The Lions are hardly alone in terms of them struggling to win in New Zealand. Many teams from many nations have also come unstuck against the All Blacks, but one glance at the Lions’ overall record – six wins from 38 starts – shows how much New Zealand have dominated them. Those wins came in 1930, 1959, 1971 (twice), 1977 and 1993, while their only Test series triumph was 46 years ago. Many consider them to be long shots in a two-horse race, but Gatland has packed his team with pace and power, and anyone writing the Lions off might be left with egg on their face.