SM
Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: 1 hr 51 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
friendly | Rugby Union
Jul 8, 2017 at 8.35am UK
 
New Zealand
15-15
LionsBritish and Irish Lions
Luampe (15'), Barrett (36')
FT

Warren Gatland expects backlash from New Zealand in final Test

:Headline: Warren Gatland expects backlash from New Zealand in final Test: ID:301796: from db_amp
Warren Gatland warns his British and Irish Lions players to beware a big response from New Zealand after 'poking the bear' with victory in their last meeting.

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has admitted that he is expecting to see a different New Zealand when the two sides lock horns for the third and final time.

The tourists' 24-21 victory in Wellington last weekend has set up a deciding Test at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994.

Gatland believes that his home nation will have been left hurt by the manner of their rare loss last time out, which he believes is the sporting equivalent of 'poking a bear'.

Speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon, he said: "Ironically, this is the best team in the world and, for two Test matches, they really haven't stressed us.

"They have squeezed us and made us give away penalties but we haven't seen the expansive rugby that the All Blacks are known for. We've coped with that and, if we can continue to improve in other areas, then we are going to see, hopefully, a great Test match."

Asked if a response is likely next Saturday, he added: "Yes, we have poked the bear but hopefully the wounded Lion from last week is still recovering as well.

"Hopefully we don't give them any ammunition this week and concentrate on ourselves because they will be using anything they can to motivate themselves."

The Lions, who have not won a series in New Zealand since 1971, will have flanker Sean O'Brien available for the deciding Test after being cleared of dangerous play.

amp_article__301796 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2017-07-04 08:43:02:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 14:56:37 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Warren Gatland

Click here for more stories about British and Irish Lions

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool34228475344174
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .