The Magnificent seven reasons why the All Blacks will win

It will be tight. It will be tough. It will be tense.

But I still back the All Blacks to win the 1st test by a converted try, which is why I have 7 MAGNIFICENT reasons the Abs will clinch it…

In Shag we trust.

And why wouldn’t we? The All Black coach and selectors have fashioned a ridiculously successful record since taking over the reins post-RWC 2011. Just 4 losses in 5 years and none to the same opponent says, unequivocally, these guys know what they are doing.

The Grunt Machine.

Underestimate the All Blacks Tight-5 at your peril! With a wealth of experience (278 combined caps compared to 311 for the Lions front 5) these men are battle-hardened, tough, crafty and very rarely (if ever) get beaten OR beaten up. The Crusaders scrum taught the Lions a lesson in Christchurch and expect more of the same at EP.

Eden Park.

It’s called a fortress for very good reason. The ABs favourite ground is where we haven’t lost a single test since 1994 (vs France) nor a series since 1986 (vs Australia). Don’t ask why it seems so impregnable because there isn’t an obvious answer – other than those overwhelming statistics which well and truly speak for themselves.

Beauden Barrett.

Crowned the world’s best player last year because he is! Barrett is more than just a game-breaker he is, and has frequently shown that he is, thee difference. Any gap left, any lapse in concentration, any error made by the opposition and he WILL capitalise. For every mechanical and predictable piece of excellence Farrell offers, Barrett can see then raise it by 10 (points that is)!

The Bench.

No longer a game of 15 vs 15, the impact of numbers 16 through 23 more often than not heavily influences the tempo, sway and ultimately result of every modern day rugby test. This is one area where the All Blacks do have a discernible advantage, players coming off the bench who can and WILL affect the outcome.

Last 20.

Following on from Reason #5 the fitness, pace and power of the ABs in the last quarter will again be evident and is perhaps the one obvious area where the visitors might just struggle to gain parity. In recent years the last 20 minutes is when the All Blacks flick the switch and attempt to run the oppo off their feet. It’s about fitness, composure, pressure, asking endless questions of the Lions and will most probably be the time when the test is won and lost.

Warrenball.

It may come as a surprise admission but truth is we’ve played it for years AND we’re better at it! We call it “play what’s in front of you”. And if there’s nothing obvious on then we’ll drive it up. Or we’ll kick it deep, come hard up in defence and belt you senseless. Then we might just remind you of the scoreboard! After which we’ll shake hands and head to Wellington looking to close out the series.

Confident? Why shouldn’t we be? That’s what being back-to-back World Champions does for a man. And that’s why pre-test it feels great to be an All Black fan!