Franks tells brother: Lions can surprise

Ex-All Black Ben Franks says the Lions can ‘‘surprise’’ in New Zealand and has warned brother Owen to expect a tough workout against England’s man mountain prop Maka Vunipola.

Franks is on the brink of helping London Irish regain premier status after a season in English rugby’s second tier.

The 33-year-old prop, who was part of two All Blacks’ World Cup winning squads, told the Daily Mail he would be backing the home side in the Lions series, but he is wary of the visitors.

He said the standard of play in the English premiership had improved markedly with Saracens and Wasps playing with real attacking flair.

‘‘I think the Lions can surprise people in New Zealand because they’ve definitely got a lot of attacking talent and skill in that squad. I think it’s going to be interesting. Obviously I want the All Blacks to win, but I want it to be a really close, tough series.

‘‘Traditionally, with the All Blacks in those June tests, we were always a little rusty in the first one, then we’d have found our footing a bit by the second or third.

‘‘That’s why the All Blacks have put in that game against Samoa as preparation, but the Lions will have had weeks together by then. If the Lions can take that first test, anything could happen I think.’’

Franks said he had enjoyed watching the Vunipolas play since his move to England in 2015.

‘‘I know Billy is out of the tour now, but Owen will be going up against his brother [Mako], who is another incredible player with great work-rate and ball-carrying ability.

‘‘I like their physicality and the way they mix it up between the tough stuff and the flash stuff.’’