but my head and heart say the British and Irish Lions by three points!
The British and Irish Lions will take the field in Auckland with a chance to create history and manage a simply monumental feat.
After four years in the making, Warren Gatland's squad finally have the chance to leave New Zealand victorious — for the first time since 1971.
So the moment of truth is upon us as the attention of the rugby world lasers in on Eden Park. The Lions can make history — and here’s why I believe they will.
I have tried to envisage which special players can close this game out for the Lions. And every time I settle on the same two: Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton.
I had them in my prospective Lions team over a year ago and in Wellington last week, we saw why it was my preferred option. Playing two out-and-out footballers in these pivotal positions is key to winning at this elevated level and they can steer the Lions to one of the most famous wins in their history.
It makes no difference if it is dry or wet, if they are running, kicking or passing, going left or right, it’s all the same to them. They are exceptionally skilled and must be a dream to play with. In a frantic game they have the talent and experience to squeeze every advantage from Lions’ possession.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Only two players have captained two tours — Martin Johnson and Sam Warburton — and the fact the latter has a chance of becoming the only player to lead two successful campaigns speaks volumes.
Even as he walked off last week after a famous win, you could tell he was focused on the challenge ahead. He refused to get caught up in the excitement and reminded me of Johnson. A man on a mission.
I never had any doubt Warburton should be captain here. Alun Wyn Jones, Rory Best and Dylan Hartley all had their supporters but it never occurred to me that Gatland would choose anybody other than Warburton.
Form is temporary, class is permanent and etched in my mind were two of the finest displays I have seen in a Lions jersey. During the first two Tests of the 2013 tour, Warburton was magnificent.
Given decent fitness and form, Gatland was always going to ask Warburton to lead his party and what an inspired choice that has proved.
Gatland knew Warburton’s importance as a player and captain but also spelt out that he would be picking the Test XV on form and wouldn’t hesitate to exclude Warburton.
Warburton picked up a minor ankle injury on arrival which meant he wasn’t able to fully challenge for a starting role but rather than duck the issue, he took the steam out of it by admitting that the first Test could take place without him. He made it easy for Gatland.
I found that deeply impressive. There was no loss of respect within the group. And then when he returned last week, he was superb. Warburton is unquestionably one of those rare players who can perform at the very highest level off very little match practice. It’s an enviable talent.
The British and Irish Lions will take the field in Auckland with a chance to create history and manage a simply monumental feat.
After four years in the making, Warren Gatland's squad finally have the chance to leave New Zealand victorious — for the first time since 1971.
So the moment of truth is upon us as the attention of the rugby world lasers in on Eden Park. The Lions can make history — and here’s why I believe they will.
I have tried to envisage which special players can close this game out for the Lions. And every time I settle on the same two: Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton.
I had them in my prospective Lions team over a year ago and in Wellington last week, we saw why it was my preferred option. Playing two out-and-out footballers in these pivotal positions is key to winning at this elevated level and they can steer the Lions to one of the most famous wins in their history.
It makes no difference if it is dry or wet, if they are running, kicking or passing, going left or right, it’s all the same to them. They are exceptionally skilled and must be a dream to play with. In a frantic game they have the talent and experience to squeeze every advantage from Lions’ possession.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Only two players have captained two tours — Martin Johnson and Sam Warburton — and the fact the latter has a chance of becoming the only player to lead two successful campaigns speaks volumes.
Even as he walked off last week after a famous win, you could tell he was focused on the challenge ahead. He refused to get caught up in the excitement and reminded me of Johnson. A man on a mission.
I never had any doubt Warburton should be captain here. Alun Wyn Jones, Rory Best and Dylan Hartley all had their supporters but it never occurred to me that Gatland would choose anybody other than Warburton.
Captain Sam Warburton has the opportunity to be the first Lions skipper to win two series
Form is temporary, class is permanent and etched in my mind were two of the finest displays I have seen in a Lions jersey. During the first two Tests of the 2013 tour, Warburton was magnificent.
Given decent fitness and form, Gatland was always going to ask Warburton to lead his party and what an inspired choice that has proved.
Gatland knew Warburton’s importance as a player and captain but also spelt out that he would be picking the Test XV on form and wouldn’t hesitate to exclude Warburton.
Warburton picked up a minor ankle injury on arrival which meant he wasn’t able to fully challenge for a starting role but rather than duck the issue, he took the steam out of it by admitting that the first Test could take place without him. He made it easy for Gatland.
I found that deeply impressive. There was no loss of respect within the group. And then when he returned last week, he was superb. Warburton is unquestionably one of those rare players who can perform at the very highest level off very little match practice. It’s an enviable talent.
