Lions must beware vengeful All Blacks and their own ill-discipline in decider | Robert Kitson


Warren Gatland must ensure that tempers are kept in check and the penalty count stemmed to have a chance of winning at the All Blacks’ Eden Park fortress

When England popped down to Queenstown for a spot of relaxation during the 2011 Rugby World Cup things did not end well. No one, however, can possibly begrudge the 2017 British & Irish Lions some deserved rest and recuperation following their famous 24-21 win over New Zealand in Wellington. At 1-1 the series remains gloriously alive and all they are looking to throw is a victory party after Saturday’s decisive third Test in Auckland.

In the meantime, between the jet boating and team bonding, the players could do worse than follow the advice of Psalm 121 and lift up their eyes unto the hills above the spectacular 84km long Lake Wakatipu. The range is known as The Remarkables and a similar title could yet be affixed to this touring squad should they wrongfoot the All Blacks again and nick the series at Eden Park.

Related: Even during a rare defeat, the depleted All Blacks looked a formidable force | Gerard Meagher

Related: Sean O’Brien cleared for Lions decider while Williams gets four-week ban

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