Plenty of commentary so far on both sides of the world:
Opening game of British and Irish Lions tour in Whangarei sold out
Scaffolders David Junior Makikiriti, left, and Sam Leohan installing a temporary grandstand recently at Toll Stadium, Whangarei, in preparation for tonight’s game. Photo/John Stone
Inclement weather has failed to put off footy fans in the North as the opening game of the British and Irish Lions rugby tour in Whangarei has been sold out.
Toll Stadium will be full with 20,000 fans for the game between the tourists and the NZ Provincial Barbarians tonight.
1 Te’o gets early chance to impress at No12
Warren Gatland’s team selection makes sense. Thirteen of the 14 who attended the first training camp start and considering all three fly-halves reported for duty the following week, he was always going to have a decision to make, opting for Johnny Sexton…..
2 All Provincial Barbarians eyes will be on Gatland junior
Spare a thought for Bryn Gatland, who will have Te’o charging at him throughout – he and his old man must have had a recent falling-out….
3 Decision needed over when and where Farrell plays
Gatland believes the Lions have a couple of advantages over the All Blacks for the Tests; goalkicking is one of them and their bench is another…….
4 Lions must adapt to five new laws already in place in NZ
The Lions are refusing to use jet lag as an excuse but such a recent, long-haul journey cannot help but have an impact. Consider too, the additional mental drain – this will be the first time they encounter the five new laws that come into effect in the northern hemisphere next season but are already on trial in the south……
5 Heavy rain may give a glimpse of Lions game plan
In New Zealand it is the Queen’s birthday weekend – and it is forecast to be tipping it down. There is a school of thought that says rain would suit the Lions but there is no better team in the world at showcasing their handling skills against the elements than New Zealand.
