Contrast of styles in Lions against All Blacks in 1st test

"The Lions squad Gatland has assembled is more a team of journeymen"

errr.....what ???

Does the author of this drivel actually know the definition of "journeyman" ?

Gatland has had the pick of the best players from 4 out of the 6 Nations Championship teams to choose from, all professionals, all highly paid. Whether or not he's made the right selections is a different matter entirely. I'd say he's got it mostly right outside of Joe Launchbury's non selection.

It should be a fantastic series. Would be surprised if AWJ isn't substituted before the 60 minute mark to make way for Itoje. Possibly even as early as the half time period should the BIL Lions find themselves behind in points.

Rieko Ioane's selection ahead of J.Savea is a big call from Hansen, it will be a baptism of fire for the youngster. He's got the talent to handle it.

Crotty/Alb center pairing with a hungry SBW coming on later in the piece would've been many peoples prediction. Instead we've got SBW/Crotty vs. Te'o/Davies. That'll be a hell of battle.

The forward battle should be epic on what will likely be a damp track in Auckland but with the rain likely to ease off.

Can't wait !!!

It is vital in so many ways that running rugby, based on skill and athleticism emerge victorious. To imagine that rugby could return to a stodgy forward-based, penalty oriented game is too much to bear.