Shock Ireland defeat has made the All Blacks stronger says Faumuina

Charlie Faumuina has warned the British and Irish Lions that the All Blacks are an even meaner animal courtesy of their shock defeat to Ireland in Chicago.

New Zealand prop Faumuina, pictured, will face the Lions in Blues colours in Auckland today, some 17 days before the first Test.

The Lions are scrambling to build their attacking identity, but will doubtless base elements of their vision on Ireland’s stunning 40-29 triumph over the All Blacks at Soldier Field in November.

Faumuina admitted their first-ever loss to Ireland had handed Steve Hansen’s squad a wake-up call, and a reminder that even back-to-back world champions are not the finished article.

“There were probably things we took for granted, and they got shown up in that game,” said Faumuina. “So we’ve learned from that, we’ve sharpened up.

“As an All Black, you never want to lose any game, but, if it happens, the vital thing is to move on quickly, take the learning and then go and improve again. I think the Lions can take confidence from Ireland’s win, but this is a different team.”

All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams has been passed fit after knee trouble and will provide a stern challenge for centres Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne in today’s match at Eden Park.

The Blues will perform a pre-match haka for the first time. “We have an exceptional group of men who are proud of their Pacific cultures and are looking forward to connecting their heritages through a haka,” said Blues head coach Tana Umaga. “We have been practising for some time and the boys will be looking forward to getting out there for what will be a fantastic occasion.” The Crusaders, Highlanders and Hurricanes will also perform their own challenges against the Lions, while the Chiefs will mark the occasion with the haka they first performed before the 2012 Super Rugby final.

Lions bosses have welcomed the chance to face traditional challenges from club opposition for the first time.

New Zealand Rugby’s Lions series general manager Nigel Cass said: “For Super Rugby teams this represents something they currently are not able to do before a regular competition match.

“It will be a very special experience for the fans at the matches, adding another great dimension to a very special series.” Josh Taylor’s abilities will be tested to their limits by Ohara Davies at Braehead Arena on 8 July, according to the Scot’s manager Barry Mcguigan.

The Irishman may not have a lot of time for the Londoner after his “sheepish” performance at a Glasgow press conference last week. However, Mcguigan accepts that Taylor will need to be at his best if he is to extend his unbeaten record to double figures.

The 26-year-old Commonwealth super lightweight champion boasts eight wins inside the distance in his nine bouts since turning professional in 2015.

However, 25-year-old Hackney fighter Davies, the WBC silver title holder, is also undefeated with 12 knockouts in 15 wins and that makes Mcguigan cautious.

The former WBA featherweight champion said: “We have a lot of work to do between now and the 8th July.

“Josh has already started training and sparring and is in great condition and he better be because this is going to be a real search of every ability that he has; speed, power, endurance, the ability to soak up a punch, and fight non-stop for 12 rounds because that’s what he has to do.

“Davies just didn’t want to sell the show. That was the time to say something, but he didn’t want to do it.

“But I hope the general public realise this is going to be a great fight, a tremendous fight. And he is a dangerous fighter, there is no question of that.

“He can punch, he has knocked out 12 of his 15 opponents, so he can bang.

“He is the WBC silver champion and he is not that for nothing. He is a very dangerous fighter.”

0 Taylor: Will be tested.