Tuesday 18 April 2017 12:05, UK
Former New Zealand coach Graham Henry believes the British and Irish Lions' confidence could be shot before they even play the All Blacks.
The Lions play six matches before the first Test in Auckland in June, four of them against Super Rugby teams, on what is a packed schedule for the tourists.
Henry, who coached the Lions in 2001, feels the fact the build-up games are against highly-regarded opponents playing without pressure could harm the team's momentum going into the trio of games against the world champions.
The New Zealander pointed to Wales' morale-sapping 40-7 defeat against the Waikato Chiefs during a tour last year, when they lost the Test series 3-0.
"(The Lions) are remembered by the Test match results, but sides gain confidence and momentum through the games they play leading into those Test matches," he said.
"If they don't get success in those games, confidence is not going to be high and that is going to affect the way they play in the Test matches."
Henry was in charge during the Lions tour to Australia in 2001, when they lost the Test series 2-1, and led the All Blacks to a World Cup triumph on home soil in 2011.
New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew defended the tour itinerary, saying the Lions requested a tougher schedule than they encountered during the 2013 tour to Australia, which was also led by Gatland and resulted in a 2-1 Test series win.
"They've actually got what they wanted," Tew said.
