THE time has come for Warren Gatland’s men to show what they’re made of as the Lions prepare to face New Zealand in the first Test.
The tourists have slowly improved after a shaky start to their Tour and are feeling confident they can become the first squad since 1971 to wrap up a Series win in the All Blacks’ own backyard.
Here, SunSport pundits and writers give you their predictions for how the showdowns will turn out…
Mike Phillips (Wales and Lions legend)
THE Lions have a great chance against a side that could be a bit under-cooked.
It will be a close series and I believe the Lions can edge it.
Prediction: 2-1 Lions
Jason Robinson (England and Lions legend)
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HISTORY is not on the Lions’ side but it should be a great series.
I think they will lose the opener in Auckland before hitting back with victory in Wellington.
But I still expect the All Blacks to claim series glory.
PREDICTION: 2-1 All Blacks
Dave Kidd (SunSport Chief Sports Writer)
STEVE HANSEN’S world champs are simply the best — and they will prove it with another Blackwash of the Lions.
Warren Gatland’s side will keep it close in the Tests but still come up short overall.
PREDICTION: 3-0 All Blacks
Jonny Fordham (SunSport Rugby Expert)
I WANT to say the Lions will nick victory in the First Test — but my head tells me no chance!
After seeing the All Blacks destroy Samoa, it’s going to be a real backs-to-the-wall defensive job for Gatland’s men.
PREDICTION: 3-0 All Blacks
Laurie Mains (Former All Blacks Coach)
THE LIONS boast some talented players and have a chance if they can gel as a team.
But that will not be easy to do. This All Blacks side has a special mentality and pull away in the final 20 minutes of games.
PREDICTION: 3-0 All Blacks
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