This is the final provincial fixture for the All Blacks ahead of the final three Test matches. They currently lead the series 1-0 after an impressive victory at Ellis Park against the Springboks on Saturday.
While this is a much-changed lineup, it remains a full international side from the visitors. I expect them to win comfortably, covering the -36.5 handicap.
Key Stats - New Zealand high on Confidence
- Lions are in preseason ahead of the URC
- New Zealand have won their last 7 matches (4 Tests, 3 Provincial)
- New Zealand put 50+ points past the Bulls and Sharks.
Lions Hoping for a Miracle
Like all the South African franchises, the Lions are in the midst of their preseason ahead of the United Rugby Championship. They are unlikely to be at 100%, so expect them to fade as the game goes deeper.
That said, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many players to feature against the All Blacks, so I do expect a motivated outfit who could take advantage of an All Blacks side that have not played together much as combinations.
New Zealand in Top Form after first Test
The All Blacks have eased to victory in their three provincial games thus far. In their opener, the Stormers gave them a good match for 60 odd minutes, but that was expected as the first game on tour.
The Sharks fell away completely in the second half while the Bulls challenged New Zealand, but didn't have an answer to their fast play.
While it is different players, the All Blacks will be on a high after a stunning first test win over the Springboks. This is the last opportunity for these players to force their way into the Test squad.
Lions vs All Blacks Starting Lineups
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Boan Venter, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Boeta Chamberlain
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Emoni Narawa, 10 Richi Mo’unga, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Sam Darry, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Siale Lauaki
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.