Lions series a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ for All Blacks stars

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has described the British and Irish Lions test series as a “once-in-a- lifetime opportunity” for his players.

Hansen has recalled fit-again captain Kieran Read and centre Ryan Crotty for Saturday’s first test at Eden Park, while in a surprise move he has replaced experienced wing Julian Savea with 20-year-old Rieko Ioane.

Crusaders No.8 Read last played more than seven weeks ago, when he suffered a broken thumb while on Super Rugby duty.