Saturday 10 June 2017 08:05, UK
The Lions are teetering on the brink of collapse according to the New Zealand press after just two games of their 10-match tour.
They stumbled to an uninspiring victory against the New Zealand Baa-Baas, lost to the Blues and now head to Christchurch for what is being called the unofficial fourth Test against the Crusaders.
The Crusaders just know how to win - they are the most successful side in Super Rugby history with seven titles.
They may not have won a trophy since 2008, but the class of 2017 have won all 14 games in this season's Super Rugby campaign and it is going to take some side to beat them.
Coach Scott Robertson has got them purring in all aspects of their game and they have shown plenty of grit and determination to make sure they have remained unbeaten.
So can the Lions beat the Crusaders and get some much-needed confidence?
"The Lions defence has to be exceptional and their line speed is crucial," said Sky Sports pundit Stuart Barnes.
"They have to make the Crusaders step up from anything they have faced in Super Rugby.
"Four out of the five front row have been included in the All Black squad and this is a very powerful part of their game. I would not say that the Lions are worried about the scrum itself, but the ball skills is quite outstanding.
"Codie Taylor is a lovely footballer and Sam Whitelock is just causing chaos down the five-metre channel. Their skills have added a real dimension to the Crusaders game.
"If Jonathan Davies can cut out that 13 channel then it negates someone like Whitelock who, in the loose, has been so potent this season."
A key battle for Barnes is between Crusaders full-back Israel Dagg and the half-back partnership of Owen Farrell and Conor Murray. Against the Blues, the Lions' tactical kicking was way below par and Warren Gatland's men cannot afford to do that against Dagg.
"Israel Dagg is one of my favourite players - he plays with a smile on his face and he really gives this team a lot of confidence," added Barnes
"I think how he handles Farrell and Murray's kicking game is an important sub-plot."
A loss on Saturday would not be the end of the world for the Lions but, as Barnes explains, it would put them in a deep hole.
"The Lions don't have to win this game because the Test series is still a couple of weeks away but the reality is that if they lose this one, psychologically they will be in such a hole that it will be even harder to win.
"If the Lions win then they are bang - back on track. If they lose then it is very much advantage NZ."
