Thursday 29 June 2017 06:30, UK
Former Lion Jonny Wilkinson says he would stick with Owen Farrell at fly-half and insists the Lions can win the key battles and level the series against New Zealand.
The Lions lost the first Test 30-15 at Eden Park last Saturday and head to Wellington in the knowledge that defeat would prematurely end the series a week early.
Wilkinson commented earlier on Wednesday the Lions must focus on rugby and not the multitude of off-field issues the tour has dredged up.
With regards to key selection decisions, the World Cup winning fly-half admitted he would stick with Farrell despite the England man's sub-par showing in the first Test.
"Yeah I would [stick with Farrell]," Wilkinson told Sky Sports News HQ. "This is a little bit similar to Warren Gatland I guess in terms of, he picks guys he knows. I know Owen Farrell so much better than I did because of the time we spent [working together].
"If I had a team, I'd have him in it. But at the same time I've played a lot opposite Johnny Sexton so I know the guy is inspirational. They're both phenomenal players."
Wilkinson toured with the Lions in 2001 and 2005, suffering a 3-0 whitewash against the All Blacks 12 years ago.
The current New Zealand side are arguably even stronger than that one was, having won back-to-back World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015.
Despite the challenge that awaits, Wilkinson is convinced the Lions can achieve victory.
"The second Test match is key but actually I guess it's a case of understanding the Lions just have to carry on that momentum from the first game," he added. "There's nothing there to be worried about in terms of what they did.
"It's only going to get better for the Lions. I know people are saying New Zealand will get better but it can only get better for the Lions as well.
"What they need from whoever gets picked is guys who provide an example of getting better minute by minute, not hanging in there and doing your best for 60 and saying 'that's my time', but people who just keep building.
"If they can make it better than New Zealand's improvement then we can nick the second Test for sure."
