Saturday 3 June 2017 17:42, UK
The British and Lions must win the second Test against the All Blacks, in Wellington, to have any hope of a series victory in New Zealand, according to Sean Fitzpatrick and Keith Wood.
Warren Gatland's side play their first game of the tour on Saturday morning when they take on the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8am.
The first Test against the All Blacks comes on June 24 in Auckland's famed Eden Park, with the second Test in Wellington's Westpac Stadium on July 1 before the sides return to Eden Park for the third and final Test on July 8.
The Lions have not beaten New Zealand in Eden Park since 1959. If they are to win the series, they will have to break a 23-year All Black winning streak at the ground, which stretches back 35 matches.
Former All Black captain Fitzpatrick feels the Lions might struggle to gel as a cohesive unit by the time the first Test rolls around and feels they will stand a much better chance to claim a Test victory in Wellington.
"The first six games are going to be hugely difficult," Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports News HQ. "Everyone is calling this a 'suicidal tour' but I don't agree.
"I think this is a wonderful opportunity for this Lions team - which is going to be hugely competitive on the field - to learn what is needed to go three rounds with the All Blacks, week after week, in terms of what is required from the players.
"I don't think the Lions will be ready for the All Blacks by the first Test so I think the All Blacks will win at Eden Park in late June.
"Then they go to Wellington and that, I think, is their opportunity.
"But they are going to have to play well. They have to play well, otherwise it could be 3-0."
Before the Test series starts, the Lions have games against the Blues (June 7), Crusaders (June 10), Highlanders (June 13), Maori All Blacks (June 17), and Chiefs (June 20).
The Lions also have a game against the Hurricanes in Wellington on June 27, sandwiched in between the first and second Tests.
Former Ireland captain Wood is a veteran of two Lions tours, in South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001, and he knows the importance of rival players from four different countries gelling quickly.
He acknowledges winning the first Test at Eden Park will be a big ask but he is optimistic the Lions can turn the tide in Wellington and bring the series down to the final game.
"The blend is all important along with how they gel as a group," Wood said.
"I think they will win the second Test. I agree with Sean - it will be very tough for the Lions to win the first Test but I think they will win the second one.
"Then all bets are off. I think it will be 2-1 for the All Blacks but I want to still have that little chink of hope that the Lions can go and do it."
