Read confident Lions’ future not threatened

By All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read insists the British and Irish Lions’ future is not in doubt – no matter the result in the Testserieswithnewzealand.

The Lions’ future came under scrutiny in 2005 when Sir Clive Woodward’s men were whitewashed 3-0 on the last trip to New Zealand.

Sir Ian Mcgeechan and Warren Gatland have rebuilt the famed touring side’s reputation and standing ever since, but rugby’s congested global calendar has continued to threaten the Lions’ place in the world game.

New Zealand could wrap up the series with a game to spare with victory today – but Read still believes the 2017 Lions will not be the last to tour New Zealand.

Asked if a tough series for the Lions could jeopardise their future, Read replied: “I don’t think that will happen. It’s just been so exciting being around the country the last couple of weeks.

“It’s been awesome, the Lions are so passionate about the game and I’m sure it will continue.”

Tour captain Sam Warburton will start in the back-row for the second Test, replacing Peter O’mahony, who led the Lions in their Eden Park defeat last weekend. Gatland pairs natural opensides Warburton and Sean O’brien in a bid to add extra bite at the breakdown.

Read remains unfazed by the switch, however. “It won’t mean too much of a change for us,” he said.

“They’re definitely going to target the breakdown more this week than last. But if we can dominate some ball carries then hopefully it nullifies what they’ve got.

“If we’re sitting back and waiting, and trying to expect what the Lions will bring, we’ll be dominated. So we’ve got to play our game and show how much it means to us as All Blacks.”