Steve Hansen looks on as the All Blacks train ahead of their first test against the British and Irish Lions. Photo: Getty ImagesIn preparing his team for Saturday's seismic first test against the British and Irish Lions, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made a point of looking to the past for inspiration. The reminder that only one All Blacks side, in 1971, have lost a series to the combined team. Respect for the current Lions team has been slow to come in rugby-mad New Zealand after the visitors sputtered through the first week of their tour. Ryan Crotty has recovered from a rib injury to allow Hansen to pair him with Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield, with Anton Lienert-Brown coming off the bench to give the All Blacks "something different," Hansen said.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 22, 2017 20:26 UTC