Friday 30 June 2017 14:49, UK
The future of the British and Irish Lions may well hang in the balance when they run out in Wellington for the second Test.
New Zealand were in a ruthless mood as they recorded a 30-15 win in the first Test in Auckland and the Lions must win Saturday's second Test to keep alive the three-game series.
However, there is more than just a series at stake. Critics questioned the value of the series after the tourists were crushed 3-0 on the last trip to New Zealand in 2005, and if the Lions lose a series in New Zealand for the 12th time in 13 attempts the viability of future Lions tours will likely be called into question once again.
On the eve of the Test, we take a look at the key battles that could decide who wins in Wellington.
Sam Cane v Sean O'Brien
New Zealand dominated the breakdown with Sam Cane causing all sorts of problems as the All Blacks' physicality and speed at the breakdown ran the Lions off their feet.
O'Brien will have help in the form of Sam Warburton and Maro Itoje who both relish the breakdown battle, but they will really need to be quick to stop Cane having another influential game. How Referee Jerome Garces sees the breakdown will also have an impact on who wins this battle.
Sonny Bill Williams v Owen Farrell
Ben Te'o did a fine job of keeping the dangerous Williams largely in check during last Saturday's first Test, but Te'o is on the bench this time around, with Lions head coach Warren Gatland opting for Farrell at 12 and Johnny Sexton in the fly-half position.
Farrell does not have the physicality of Te'o, and he can expect Williams to come at him as the All Blacks target an unassailable 2-0 series lead. Farrell has a superb big-match temperament and he will need all that experience this weekend.
Beauden Barrett v Johnny Sexton
All Blacks playmaker Barrett produced a majestic performance in Auckland last Saturday, kicking 15 points and continuing to excel after he moved from fly-half to full-back as replacement for an injured Ben Smith.
Saturday's forecasted wet weather for Wellington might dilute his attacking threat, but the Lions know they cannot give him an inch of space. Ireland star Sexton, meanwhile, takes the No 10 shirt off Farrell, entrusted with delivering game-management of the highest class and kicking accurately out of hand. He is more than up to the job.
Aaron Smith v Conor Murray
Conor Murray is regarded as the best kicking scrum-half in the world and will use his box kick to good effect - All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo can expect to be targeted by Murray's high ball all game long. However, it is Murray's service that is going to be crucial. Gatland wants to cause problems outwide and the quicker Murray can get the ball to the Sexton and Farrell the better the Lions can attack.
Smith was a huge threat around the fringes for the All Blacks and was always on hand to keep the All Blacks going forward. He made 103 passes in the first test - 50 more than Murray and the Lions will need to tighten up their defence around the fringes and put pressure on him.
Sam Whitelock v Alun Wyn Jones
Together with Brodie Retallick, Whitelock forges unquestionably the finest second-row partnership in Test rugby, having carved out a reputation for his remarkable consistency, work-rate and lineout expertise during an 86-cap Test career. Wales captain Jones, meanwhile, was considered fortunate by many to keep his place this time round following a below-par display in Auckland.
He is, though, capable of discovering his best form and the Lions will need a major contribution from him as they look to prevent New Zealand from overpowering them up-front for a second successive week.
Kieran Read v Sam Warburton
The rival captains have huge roles to play on Saturday. All Blacks No 8 Read was in scintillating form at Eden Park on his first appearance following a long injury lay-off, inspiring his team through a blistering display. Lions skipper Warburton was on the bench in Auckland, but he starts this weekend alongside Sean O'Brien and Taulupe.
Watch the second Test between the All Blacks and the Lions this Saturday on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30am. Don't have a Sky subscription? Get Sky Sports Day Pass and watch all the action unfold.
