Thursday 3 August 2017 14:26, UK
Will Greenwood says that the Lions selection shows that they are prepared to play some attacking rugby against New Zealand.
Greenwood is especially delighted with the back three as Liam Williams has been preferred to Leigh Halfpenny at full-back, while Elliot Daly starts on the left-wing and offer a real attacking threat.
"The selection shows that while Warren Gatland will not deviate from the power game upfront, he is prepared to go out and put the dancers out there to go out and play against the All Blacks," said Greenwood on Sky Sports News HQ.
"Gatland has picked the in-form horses and it is an incredibly exciting back three.
"Liam Williams had an absolute stormer against the Chiefs. He controlled the back field and when the opportunity came to run, he really ran. He cut the Chiefs apart.
"He was the man of the series for Wales against New Zealand last year, he has form over here and has been playing very well. Daly has done nothing wrong this tour but people thought he would lose out to the experience and power of George North."
Greenwood is also excited about Owen Farrell, who has shaken off a thigh strain and will start the first Test with Jonathan Sexton on the bench.
"I think Farrell over Sexton is the right call," added Greenwood.
"Over the last two to three years he has built up an aura - he has been nominated for World Player of the Year a couple of times and he has been at the very heart of England's rise to number two in the world rankings.
"He leads the defensive line and will be opposite the All Blacks talisman Beauden Barrett who had a quite scintillating 2016.
"Farrell will go hunting him and will try not to let him get that unbelievable All Black running game going."
All Blacks under pressure
Farrell's kicking will also be crucial and Greenwood says that the Lions tactics can really test the All Blacks.
"The weather is biblical - Noah is building his ark around the corner and it is likely to stay biblical for three days," added Greenwood from a rain-swept Auckland.
"The kicking game and the pressure that comes from Conor Murray's kick-chase expertise at No 9 will put the All Blacks under pressure.
"They [New Zealand] often have the answers and if they do, well played them because they are a fantastic team. But if they don't and they waiver for just a fraction then Gatland's Lions will be on them like a rash!"
