This has already proved an eventful British & Irish Lions tour in all kinds of ways but the most gripping 80 minutes may still be to come. If Warren Gatland’s team-sheet for the second Test carries no guarantee of success there is at least a genuine can-do feel about it. Gatland has clearly promised himself that, whatever transpires, he will give this series a real go.
And, glory be, the 2017 Lions are going for it on Saturday. By pairing Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell at 10 and 12 they have sent the plainest of messages to Steve Hansen and the All Blacks: you ain’t seen nothing yet. Gatland and his coaches have long known that what might have worked in the first Test of a major series is not necessarily the best answer the following weekend. Hansen will look at this selection and conclude the Lions are not quite done yet.
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