Warburton start would lift wounded Lions, says Kaino

Sam Warburton’s anticipated inclusion in the starting line-up would make the British and Irish Lions a more dangerous proposition in the second Test, according to New Zealand flanker Jerome Kaino.

The tour captain was on the bench for the opening 30-15 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park as his fitness issues have persisted, but coach Warren Gatland could bring the Welshman in for Saturday’s meeting in Wellington following an encouraging substitute appearance in Auckland.

And Kaino believes the presence of Warburton, who also skippered the 2013 side that won 2-1 in Australia, would provide a significant boost to the Lions.

“Sam is a great leader,” said Kaino. “I don’t think they lose anything having Sam in there.

“We are expecting a huge lift of intensity at the breakdown if they bring Sam in. If anything, they get stronger having him there.”

If Gatland and his players hoped for any let-up from the world champions this weekend, Kaino warned that complacency was not likely to creep in among Steve Hansen’s squad.

“For us, it’s looking at how we can improve,” the Blues star added.

“I know for a fact down the road [in Wellington], their team meetings and training will have a lot of edge and a lot of emotion.

“I don’t think it is smart for us to sit back and expect it to happen.

“We need to make sure we turn the screws a lot more in our training and expect a backlash from the Lions at the weekend.”