Talking points

The Lions play the final midweek game of the tour this morning when they face reigning Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes in Wellington. Courier Sport looks at five talking points.

COACHES’ COMMENTS PROVIDE LIVELY BACK-DROP: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen reacted angrily to Warren Gatland’s demand that referees clamp down on New Zealand’s “dangerous” targeting of scrumhalf Conor Murray in Saturday’s 30-15 defeat by phoning a radio station to call him “desperate”. It is an issue likely to rumble on.

A FINAL PUSH FOR SECOND TEST PLACES: Liam Williams and Elliot Daly set the tone last week, starring in an impressive win over the Chiefs and then securing first Test starting places as a result. Their achievement should inspire today’s team with full-back Jack Nowell, wing George North and lock Courtney Lawes players who could make a statement today. THE LIONS THE HURRYUP: The Hurricanes are capable of completing a hat-trick of wins for New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams. Jordie Barrett and Julian Savea both start after being released from All Blacks duty, while 2015 World Cup star Nehe Milner-Skudder is another player ready to test the Lions’ defence.

LIONS FANS HOPE FOR A BACKLASH: The dominance of the All Blacks pack in the first Test undoubtedly left a physical and mental mark on the Lions, and today’s line-up, under the leadership of Ireland captain Rory Best, can set about redressing matters by making a statement against the Hurricanes.

WESTPAC STADIUM DOES NOT HOLD GREAT LIONS MEMORIES: The last time the Lions visited Wellington’s “Cake Tin” , they were baked to a cinder. It was the second Test against New Zealand 12 years ago, and the All Blacks ran out 48-18 winners to clinch a series victory over the Clive Woodward-coached tourists.