1 Te’o gets early chance to impress at No12
Warren Gatland’s team selection makes sense. Thirteen of the 14 who attended the first training camp start and considering all three fly-halves reported for duty the following week, he was always going to have a decision to make, opting for Johnny Sexton. The selection of Ben Te’o at 12 is nonetheless interesting considering he fits the mould of a direct ball-carrier that Gatland likes. We cannot read much into his choices yet but if Gatland wants to pair Sexton and Owen Farrell together at 10 and 12 in the Test series, surely they need as much practice together as possible.
2 All Provincial Barbarians eyes will be on Gatland junior
Spare a thought for Bryn Gatland, who will have Te’o charging at him throughout – he and his old man must have had a recent falling-out. Joking aside, Gatland Jr has inevitably commanded most interest in a side thrown together with a week’s training behind them. There are a handful of players with Super Rugby experience but most play only for their provincial sides and the Lions are expected to win handsomely. That said, their opponents are likely to show honourable commitment to Barbarians ideals, throwing the ball around.
3 Decision needed over when and where Farrell plays
Gatland believes the Lions have a couple of advantages over the All Blacks for the Tests; goalkicking is one of them and their bench is another. Injuries will take their toll on both squads but while New Zealand’s strength in depth for a country of its size is remarkable, it is not endless. It is one thing having the firepower in reserve, another knowing when to use it. At what stage Gatland chooses to bring on Farrell, and in what position, will be fascinating, while Justin Tipuric and Elliot Daly would relish the prospect of coming on against some tired legs. Rhys Webb too.
4 Lions must adapt to five new laws already in place in NZ
The Lions are refusing to use jet lag as an excuse but such a recent, long-haul journey cannot help but have an impact. Consider too, the additional mental drain – this will be the first time they encounter the five new laws that come into effect in the northern hemisphere next season but are already on trial in the south. Some will not have a huge impact but others, such as being allowed to kick a penalty to touch and take the lineout when time is up, may do. It is not ideal for the Lions to have to get their head around these laws on top of everything else.
5 Heavy rain may give a glimpse of Lions game plan
In New Zealand it is the Queen’s birthday weekend – and it is forecast to be tipping it down. There is a school of thought that says rain would suit the Lions but there is no better team in the world at showcasing their handling skills against the elements than New Zealand. That said, if it becomes set-piece orientated, the Lions will not be complaining and the word from the training camps in Wales and Ireland is the forwards have been knocking seven shades out of each other. Of the starting pack, Sam Warburton’s performance will be most scrutinised. It is his first appearance since early April and he will want to put any fitness doubts behind him.
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