Lions’ pride and potential could produce New Zealand series for the ages | Robert Kitson

The tourists are under no illusions about their task against the world’s No1 side but there is belief within a team who are arguably the strongest Lions since 2001 and buoyed by encouraging warm-up wins

It may sound counterintuitive but, before the first Test, the British & Irish Lions should be drawing inspiration from a bunch of New Zealanders in Bermuda. For those not tuned into this year’s America’s Cup, New Zealand’s yachtsmen have slogged through numerous tough knockout contests to face the defending champions and hosts Oracle Team USA in the final. And the latest? It is never over until the plump mermaid sings but the fancied Americans are a clear second, reduced to playing catch-up by their battle-hardened visitors.

Related: Lions carry hope against history in their lunatic endeavour to beat the All Blacks | Andy Bull

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