By now the Lions will realise how demanding a New Zealand tour can be but Warren Gatland’s squad still has the potential to develop a clinical edge
The British & Irish Lions move on to Rotorua, hoping the Bay of Plenty lives up to its name after average returns so far in New Zealand. Tuesday’s defeat to the Highlanders deflated rather than punctured the belief generated by the success over the Crusaders in Christchurch, but only victory will do against New Zealand Maori on Saturday when the tourists will field what will be very close to their side in the first Test.
Four matches into the trip, every player in the squad now appreciates that a tour to New Zealand is unlike any other. In South Africa and Australia by now, the Lions would have enjoyed a few blow-outs, but in the land of the World Cup holders every point has to be earned in the face of relentless pressure and opportunism.
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