Storm clouds pose problems on home front

THE waiting is over as, finally, the Lions touched down in New Zealand. Their arrival heralds the departure of one of the warmest summer and autumn periods on record.

Indeed the visitors were greeted by torrential downpours that have yet to abate. Such conditions could be hugely important over the next six weeks.

If the All Blacks have a perceived weakness it is in their tight forward play and a combination of wet weather and night matches could play firmly into the Lions' hands.