With the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand a matter of months away, I take a look at ten reasons why rugby fans should be counting down the days until June.
Beauden Barret’s reckoning
The 2005 Lions tour belonged to Dan Carter. In what many describe as the most complete performance by a first five-eighth Carter ran the Lions ragged during the second test in Wellington. Scoring two tries and setting up another Carter stamped his mark as the best player in the game.
Come June 2017 it will be Beauden Barrett’s time to shine. Barrett had a breakthrough year in 2016 and a similarly dominant performance in the test matches should confirm his ranking as the world’s best.
Read’s biggest test
The heir to Richie McCaw will be faced with his biggest test as All Blacks captain when the Lions arrive. Kieran Read has already proven his ability to lead and his decision-making and calmness under pressure will be vital to the All Blacks coming out victorious.
Midfield lockdown
If there’s one question Steve Hansen hasn’t answered since the 2015 World Cup it’s the question of the midfield.
The retirement of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith from international rugby left an obvious hole in the middle of the park. Many players have been tried in the twelve and thirteen jerseys but a solid combination has yet to be forged.
The obvious choice would be Malakai Fekitoa partnering the returning Sonny Bill Williams, but the likes of Anton Lienart-Brown, Ryan Crotty and George Moala may have something to say about that when the Lions arrive.
The return of ‘NMS’
The last time Nehe Milner-Skudder was seen in an All Blacks jersey he was diving across the try line in the World Cup final against Australia. Milner-Skudder enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2015 but injury kept him out of the All Blacks fold in 2016. We could well see NMS darting over for a few more tries come the Lions test matches.
Battle of the benches
A key to both the All Blacks and England’s recent success has been their use of the bench. International rugby has become more and more of a twenty-three man game and the way both sides utilise their reserves could dictate who comes out on top.
Young stars come of age
Not many stages come bigger than a Lions tour to prove your worth. This year’s tour will be a coming of age opportunity for a few fresh-faced All Blacks and Lions. Damien Mackenzie, Scott Barrett and Rieko Ioane have all had tastes of international rugby and should get another opportunity to show their talent, whilst England’s Maro Itoje and Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw will look to continue their own successes in the Lions jersey.
The Lions fans
If there’s one thing to look forward to about a Lions tour it’s the wave of British and Irish fans that will sweep our shores. Whether it’s in the bars and restaurants across the country or at the stadium on game day you wont have to look far for a bit of Northern atmosphere!
Emerging talent
With New Zealand’s top players in All Blacks camps preparing for the test matches, the Super Rugby franchise games will be a great opportunity for fringe and future All Blacks to test their skills against international opposition.
Matt Faddes and Reggie Goodes will look to build on a breakthrough seasons for the Highlanders and Hurricanes last year, whilst Jordie Barrett will look to prove why he’s already had a small taste of life in the All Blacks camp.
Maori All Blacks
The Lion’s will be desperate for revenge on the Maori All Blacks after their surprising defeat to the side during their 2005 tour. This will be a cracker of a game in Rotorua and don’t be too surprised if the Lions field a full strength side to make up for their humiliation twelve years ago.
A contest
In 2005 the All Blacks ran away 3-0 winners in what was a hugely disappointing tour for the Lions. Twelve years later we should expect a much more even contest. England’s impressive winning streak under Eddie Jones, Ireland’s famous win in Chicago and Scotland’s recent rise in form proves Northern Hemisphere rugby is well and truly on the up. This will be the All Blacks biggest test since their World Cup defence in 2015.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Itoje is actually 6 ft 6. And according to everyone/anyone who has been around the England camp he is alpha male number one. An alpha male with smarts that is. And he will start every single Test for the Lions, most likely at number 5. The great thing about Itoje is that he can play in every single forward-position so I guess Gatland will pick his team and where he sees the the most obvious weakness among the forwards, that is were he will shoe in Itoje. I my mind there is no doubt that he is the best playerin Europe ATM.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Convince me - which Lions forwards would be better - looking at your list i would not prefer any of them over the AB candidate
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
How do you get your contact details to me - and i will pass them onto my bro - and he will call you - (its his daughter that owns the Waiheke motel as well)
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Not if he is 194 which they say he is :)
Whakaata
Guest
So anyone who doesn't say anything gracious can't be a true NZ fan?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Itoje s not physical and powerful? Odd, that's exactly how I'd describe him he has such a presence. His inexperience versus the ABs might count against him although at least that means he also won't have experience of losing to the ABs as most of the rest will have. Agree AWJ should be there, Launchberry as well so I see Itoje at 6 in this side, not a bad thing. Haskell and Vunipola rounds out a pretty formidable back row, not the quickest around but certainly solid. ALB is the 13 at the moment and I agree Crottys best for the Lions. Reiki Ioane was annoyingly absent against a tough Chiefs side so still needs convincing in tough company. Jury's out on a SBW where anything can happen and our 9 and 10 stocks are pretty solid, particularly off the bench. I think Hansen will mix and match Barrett and Cruden. I think NMS is going to mesmerise the Lions defence with his footwork, the best I've seen for years but see him on the right wing to make way for Dagg or Smith. The try he got last week for the Canes was eerie, stepping through a wall untouched.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Great little hideaway Chook, take that up if you can. ?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes that's one of the best things about the Lions tours. In 93 several of us made a point of watching a couple of the tests at a local we knew would be full of Lions supporters. Made for great watching when you're with so many people who have put that much into being here, the sharing of stories both rugby and non rugby went on well into the night.
Redbull
Guest
Was lucky to be in NZ for the last tour. And a workmate got tickets to the tour match against BoP in Rotorua. Was a great night. It will be quality rugby. Am somewhat disappointed Garland got the gig again. The Lions have some great cattle to choose from. Not sure Garland has a plan B after watching Wales for the past few years. Now with Howley they seem to be more flexible. Anyhow.
Lano
Roar Guru
I did Suncorp when they were last in Oz and what you say about the Lions supporters is absolutely true. Enjoyed this article!
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Because, mate, Gatland is coaching the Lions. I might have Gray and Toner or Gray and Launchbury to start, with the third as bench cover along with Itoje given his ability to cover 6 as well as lock and his impact as a bench player. I don't think AWJ deserves to start, but I wouldn't be surprised if he does just because coaches tend to trust the players that they know best and have served them well in the past. I would definitely not consider Itoje starting a 'poor' decision, but the issue is the Lions just have so many quality locks to choose from. And as good as he is in the line-out, he's so much shorter than Retallick and Whitelock.
Packer
Guest
I'm commenting for the 1st time ever out of exasperation at the repeated support for Wyn-Jones. What possible reason is there for him to be in the squad let alone team let alone captain? I accept he's been a good player, but watch the last year of internationals and Europe and surely Launchbury, Kruis, Itoje, the Grey brothers, Toner and Henderson are ahead of him in the pecking order?
Hello Everybody.
Guest
Itoje is over 6 ft 5.
Hello Everybody.
Guest
And Itoje is one of the best lineout players in the world.
Hello Everybody.
Guest
You doubt one of the best players in the world will start? I will be amazed if he doesnt. Shocked. Imo he is the most likely out of any player to start.
Big Stu
Guest
The main reason I looking forward to the lions 2017 tour of nz is how much the lions will react to the cartoon from the nz herald of their head coach like the Wallabies coach and see if the lions go the biff both in scrums and ruck & maul plus general play to soften up the all blacks with Sydney (Steak and KIdney) plus Brisbane (Brisvegas) later on this year.
Mike
Guest
I doubt Itoje will start aswell. AWJ paired with Toner or Gray...there has to be an all out assault on the AB's lineout. Irish flankers to start.
Mike Julz
Guest
I don't think the ABs will be picking the young stars in the first two tests. I think if the ABs secure the first two wins and the series, then guys like McKenzie, Scott, and Ioane will probably have a run at the third. But yeah can't wait for the series too.
Old Bugger
Guest
Fair call - I think they'll both be in the 23 come test time.
Old Bugger
Guest
Yeah mate - we'll be celebrating me 65th, wining and dining out, with friends and family, a few days before the Maoris game.....can't wait and looking forward, to a good drop of Pinot Noir.