Stephen Ferris says that Warren Gatland has rolled the dice with his Lions selection but it could pay off against New Zealand.
Gatland made a number of surprise calls including Liam Williams at full-back ahead of Leigh Halfpenny, Alun Wyn Jones at lock ahead of Maro Itoje and Elliot Daly on the left wing with George North not included in the 23.
England's Owen Farrell has recovered from a leg injury to start at fly-half while Peter O'Mahony will captain the side, assuming the leadership from tour captain Sam Warburton, who starts on the bench.
"I think everyone is in a little bit of shock with the changes he has made, but for me it is a great, great team," said Ferris on Sky Sports News HQ.
"There are a couple of lads who proved themselves out in Hamilton on Tuesday night and they have been given an opportunity.
"The likes of Elliot Daly and Liam Williams, who had a stormer at full-back. What he brought to the Lions against the Chiefs was that counter attacking ability. For me it is a good call - he brings something different and you have Leigh Halfpenny on the bench if you want that little more stability.
"Yes, Warren Gatland may have rolled the dice slightly but I think this is a team who can go to Eden Park and beat the All Blacks."
Ferris, who toured South Africa with the Lions in 2009, believes that the tourists' ability to keep the score board ticking over will be crucial, however it is their defence that will be key for victory.
"New Zealand have not lost in Eden Park since 1994 but they have to lose at some stage and I really think this Lions team can turn them over.
"If it remains wet then that plays into the Lions hands - they have the capability of building a score and that is what they have to do.
"They can't run around throwing the ball around, making mistakes and turning the ball over. You can't give the ball back to the best team in the world.
"The Lions defence has been the most positive thing for me on this tour so far - their line speed which closes down the opposition space and getting on top of them.
"It is really difficult to come here and try and get that result but fair play to Warren Gatland who has surprised a lot of people with his selection and he is really going to give this a go."