Friday 7 July 2017 07:42, UK
Former All Black Nick Evans is expecting a backlash from his compatriots when they play the British and Irish Lions in the series decider, live on Sky Sports.
Steve Hansen's side were well below-par as they lost 24-21 to the Lions in a nailbiting contest last Saturday but Evans is convinced that will have stung them as they look to seal a series victory at Eden Park.
"Unusually for the All Blacks, they got into good positions and didn't take their opportunities but it could come down to small margins, one special piece of play," ex-Harlequins fly-half Evans told the Lions Special on Sky Sports News HQ.
"They need to kick better and Beauden Barrett obviously missed a few goals. Discipline-wise, they gave away a few too many penalties.
"I'm going to go for an All Blacks backlash. There will be a big reaction, hopefully the weather will be dry and we can see the real All Blacks step up."
Jordie Barrett will make his debut alongside his brother Barrett in Auckland but, rather than proving to be a risky move by Hansen, Evans is backing the 20-year-old to play a crucial role.
"He has been fantastic for the Hurricanes, he has been fantastic in Super Rugby," added Evans.
"He played well for the Hurricanes when the Lions played against them. He is a big boy, he is very good aerially, which should nullify the Conor Murray threat, with his box kicks from the back of rucks.
"He is a good goalkicker. Obviously, Beauden Barrett missed a couple of gimmes at the weekend that probably resulted in how the game ended up for the Lions. I think he is going to be fantastic.
"He has experience around him. He has [Julian] Savea - 50 Tests - and Israel Dagg on the other wing with 70-plus Tests, so he has got some really good experience around that will get him through.
"They will give him plenty of advice and marshall him."
