KEY BATTLES THAT COULD DECIDE EDEN PARK CLASH

THE CAPTAINS PETER O’MAHONY v KIERAN READ

OTHERWISE known as the ‘Munster Mongrel’, O’Mahony offers a hard, gritty and abrasive edge. He captained Munster’s remarkable run following the death of coach Anthony Foley last year and has been mentored by Paul O’Connell. At 31, Read (above) is four years his senior and has led the All Blacks’ post-World Cup transition after the retirement of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

THE CODE SWITCHERS BEN TE’O v SONNY BILL WILLIAMS

IT’S AN all Kiwi match-up in midfield. Both centres were born in Auckland before making their name in Australia, where they faced off in rugby league. How the Lions deal with the magical offloading abilities of Williams (right) could be key to winning the series and Te’o’s experience and strength can play a part.

THE ENFORCERS ALUN WYN JONES v BRODIE RETALLICK

SO much more than bludgeoning second rows. Retallick may look like an oversized librarian but he is a no-nonsense operator with subtle handling skills. Jones, selected ahead of Maro Itoje, is a qualified lawyer who offers years of know-how and is known to stare out teammates when they step out of line.

THE NEXT BIG THINGS ELLIOT DALY v RIEKO IOANE

SUPERSTARS could be born over the next couple of weeks. The All Black No 11 jersey has been worn by some famous names — including the legendary Jonah Lomu — and 20-yearold Rieko Ioane is the next in line. Eyebrows were raised by the omission of Julian Savea but Ioane offers a blend of pace and power, in contrast to the style and subtle touch of Elliot Daly (left).