Lions are ready to bite back and stun all-conquering New Zealand to keep Test series alive, warns Andy Farrell


ANDY FARRELL has warned the All Blacks the Lions are ready to bite back after their Eden Park mauling.

Warren Gatland’s side must win in Wellington today to take the series to a decider in Auckland next Saturday.

Andy Farrell’s son Owen grapples with Jonny Sexton in Lions training
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Andy Farrell says he is simmering ahead of the second Test
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The odds are stacked against them at the Cake Tin with Steve Hansen’s Kiwis favourites to make it 2-0 and kill off the tourists in this David vs Goliath battle.

Lions defence coach Farrell said: “The underdog has always had his  day hasn’t he? When you get a squad together it’s powerful — I certainly wouldn’t back against us.

“Everyone understood the size of the task before we came here, how difficult it was going to be.

“But I just see how the lads are preparing and there is a sense of excitement about what a great game this could be.

“They know what’s at stake so we will see how we react.

“We’re playing the best team in the world in their own backyard, they’re 1-0 up and we need to win.

Steve Hansen’s side are favourites to claim the series early
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Maro Itoje in training with the Lions ahead of the second Test
AP:Associated Press

“It doesn’t get any bigger than that does it? We’ll see what we’re made of. I’m excited about it.

“I wouldn’t say I’m relaxed because I’m simmering myself but there’s an air of confidence in the way we’ve prepared.

“We’ve been honest about what it is going to have to take to win. There’s no worry.”

In 2013 the Lions won the crucial Third Test against Australia to take the series.

This time they are fighting to set up a final-Test showdown having lost the opener 30-15 last week.

Boss Warren Gatland is gambling by playing two playmakers, Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton, instead of sticking with midfield enforcer Ben Te’o.

Owen Farrell has been picked at centre for the Test
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Warren Gatland looked relaxed ahead of the crunch clash
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Rugby fan streaks across pitch following late Lions try vs All Blacks

And Farrell Snr, the former England defence coach, said: “It has a sense of the Third Test four years ago.

“There is a realisation about what is at stake.

“We have to make sure we get the balance right and make sure we don’t overplay the emotional card, we have to be smart rugby players as well.

“There is a lot that has been said already.

“You can tip people over the edge and not let them be the player they are, so you have to be cute.

“You don’t just win the game by being raging mad. You have to be smart about it.”


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