The All Blacks and British and Irish Lions have drawn the third Test at Eden Park in a tense and thrilling encounter 15 points apiece, and have subsequently drawn the 2017 Lions series.
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Final score
All Blacks 15
British and Irish Lions 15
The third Test is now upon as the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour draws to a close in this decider as the Lions try to create history when they take on New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland with kick off from 5:35pm (AEST).
Plenty has been written already after the Lions toppled the All Blacks in Wellington last Saturday night which certainly revived interest in the Test series and provided the Lions with a golden opportunity to do what not very many have managed to achieve, a series win in New Zealand.
The Lions this week have had the luxury of naming an unchanged lineup for tonight’s match staying true with, ‘if it aint broke, don’t fix it’.
The All Blacks have, in contrast shuffled the decks a fair bit, particularly in the backline where two rookies have been handed their first Test starts, namely Ngani Laumepe at second five, promoted after Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams were both ruled unavailable after injury and suspension respectively and Jordie Barrett has been named at fullback, the 20-year-old being thrown in the deep end after the All Blacks have struggled at times at the back.
Other notable changes have seen Israel Dagg moved back to the right wing making way for the younger Barrett while Julian Savea has earned a recall on the left wing, Reiko Ioane dropped from the starting side this evening.
Malakai Fekitoa, recalled to the team only this week after Williams was suspended, takes the No.23 shirt as the utility back cover on the bench.
It certainly feels like a roll of the dice from the All Black coaching staff but in fairness to them, they have rarely made bad decisions though what a match for Laumepe and Barrett to start in.
However, it is in the forward where the bulk of the work has to be done and the All Blacks will certainly hold no real fears there after dominating up front for long periods of the first Test while holding their own for over half the match in the second with seven men so they will be confident of being able to lay the platform to allow there young backline to flourish.
For the Lions, they have all the momentum and now the belief that they can win and after being able to take a more relaxed approach into this decider after such a long season, and with the benefit of a settled squad will be more than prepared for the task at hand and I would suggest they are better odds than what the TAB has offered.
Certainly, while both sides will be under pressure this evening, the expectation on the New Zealanders will be immense, and the Lions will know that.
Prediction
I suspect the All Blacks have a slight edge in the forwards and I think that will pay dividends this evening.
New Zealand by 8.
Enough talking, join us here live from 5:35pm AEST as we cover all the action here on The Roar and don’t forget to leave your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Debz
Guest
Lions played well. Good for them and their supporters.
Crustymtb
Guest
My concern is that now rugby is front page in the UK, all the English fair-weather fans will crawl out of the Wordsley and claim this as an sunfish victory and be (more) insufferable for years to come. Terrible reffing performance with the outcome being decided on a questionable last minute decision by the ref. However, the abs left the outcome in the hands of the ref. Again.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Absolutely Kirky. Those brilliant, fluent Harlem Globetrotters of rugby managed to score exactly 1 more try over a 3 game series than those stodgy northerners - and that was an up and under booted in the general direction of Barrett.
Look, I am not a fan of Poite, never was, even before the Bismrck debacle I couldn't stand him, that time the AB's benefitted, this time they didn't. It all balances out
Ken Catchpole's Other. Leg
Guest
Jman, it was a great game. Both teams played really well.
Kirky
Roar Rookie
I would imagine Mr, Poite will be required to answer to the Referees Hierarchy on his display in that game, ~ be interesting!
Kirky
Roar Rookie
What did the Lions draw consist of,? the usual and preferred method, 5 penalties!! really enthralling stuff!
FunBus
Roar Rookie
'.......one person who won’t be happy with this Eddie Jones … those young ABs have basically just had a great intro in W cup pressure' Eh? You don't think he'll be pleased that the young English players on show have had the same? George made his starting international debut on this tour. Sinkler has 1 cap, Itoje is 22; Watson is 23; Daly made his debut last season; and the rest have been exposed to rugby intensity at the highest level. I reckon Jones will be delighted, albeit he might rest a few of them for the November internationals.
Drongo
Roar Rookie
Just logged in to post to show that this pathetic impersonation (two posts up) wasn't me. How sad and pathetic this individual is. Really, you want to go to that length to try and discredit another poster?
Faith
Guest
So many talking points to this game and the series. But first of all the Lions and the defense and Andy Farrell must be lauded. I think the ABs should think of hiring Andy Farrell seriously. This is the 3rd team that he's been involved in that has given ABs serious kittens. This game: Jordie Barrett is the future. ABs have built some serious experience and software going forward. J Barrett and Rieko Ioane in 3 years will be something. The ABs blew this game in the first half - they should have been at least 2 tries ahead. Credit to BILs grit and defense to stay in this. I think with time J Barrett will be given the kicking tee before his brother. Just like in the Canes. The SBW red now comes into focus - not closing out the series in that game came to hurt the ABs and not least because of playing with 14. Now we know how nb B Smith is. Can he stay till '19? This is good experience for the ABs - they will mull over this and work accordingly and build up to RWC '19 ... The BILs missed B Vunipola - he would have made a huge difference. The game is now a ref's game ... Garces and Poite will be the leading talking points on this series - that much is clear and not sure how this can be fixed ...
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Is this a genuine post, Kuruki, or a spoof designed to make us all laugh at Kiwis?
Drongo
Guest
This wasn't posted by me, but by some very sad person pretending to be me. Sorry Kane, there is no 'gracious apology' as you put it on the other thread. Because there is absolutely no need for one.
Clash
Roar Pro
I also think you missed my point Mac. Canny take ownership of the draw if we weren't playing. Canny take ownership of any win either. We just weren't good enough to be selected.
Mathew
Guest
Well done ref. You have manage and control the game perfectly, otherwise AB will scope a win illegally. Tha.
Charles Plowdog
Guest
Very well put. I fully agree.
Adsa
Guest
Onya Digger
EnoughisEnough
Guest
Poor form to blame the Ref. Get over it, your team lost last week, and managed a draw this week.
double agent
Guest
Respect...
double agent
Guest
How much did you win Cadfael?
soapit
Guest
if you keep saying it it just might become true