How All Blacks hit the Lions where it hurts

The opening test of a Lions series is a journey into the unknown. Everything the Lions coaching staff have done in the last five weeks, since the earliest arrivals introduced themselves for those pre-tour camps at the Vale of Glamorgan and Carton House, has been geared towards this moment.

Even New Zealand, in fortress Eden Park, were not quite sure what to expect from the tourists. They were about to be asked a different type of question to anything they would have experienced playing in the annual Rugby Championship.

Australia, South Africa, and Argentina are familiar foes. The players clash regularly in the Super Rugby tournament. There is little room for surprises.