British and Irish Lions Tour: Alex Payne - Notes From New Zealand

No sign of a heatwave here in Auckland; instead prep for Saturday has been done at the back of a coffee shop to avoid the rain. 

Of all the stats, facts and biographies I have read this week one leaps out: only four times in 31 tours has the side that won the first Test lost the series. 

In other words, win the opener and you have an 88% chance of taking the glory. Puts the result at Eden Park into perspective.

The other numbers flying around centre on the fact that is has been 46 games over eight years since the All Blacks last lost at home.  It has been 23 years since they last lost at Eden Park (when our very own Sean Fitzpatrick was captain) and they have won 10 of the 11 series against the Lions. 

Easy to see why the All Blacks are 1/6 to win!  But then again, records are made to be broken. The mood amongst the Lions (and the press pack) has lifted significantly this week, particularly off the back of the team selection.  

The consensus is that the Lions have got themselves into the best possible position to be highly competitive.  They have taken great confidence from knowing have done all they can, and are where they want to be.

The forecast is for rain throughout Saturday, but for things to clear a couple of hours before kick off.  The wet doesn't favour the Lions, but they'll be the happier with it.

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Word is that Maro Itoje is boiling inside that he'll be coming off the bench, having expected to start. Expect an enormous performance when he does appear, one that may well see him start tests two and three.

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Most press conferences are an exercise in box ticking, but there were one or two lines yesterday - Tadgh Furlong's dad doesn't own a mobile phone, so the entire Lions squad have popped a few dollars into the pot to get him one. 

Peter O'Mahony's wife found out that he was captain from the other wives and girlfriends, before he'd had a chance to call her.  

Ben Te'o grew up in and around Auckland and still has family here - he has made absolutely sure every one of them has Lions gear for Saturday.

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A nod to Jamie George who will start his first ever international in a Lions shirt, after 17 appearances from the bench for England. 

The last player to start for the Lions before his country?  Jason Robinson in 2001, who scorched Chris Latham three minutes into the game.  Let's hope the Sarries hooker can have a similar impact!

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Apparently Sam Warburton has taken the decision to start him on the bench like a true pro and a top class Lion.  Whilst it will hurt to be the first Lions captain since 1930 not to lead the team out, Warburton will still have a huge role to play.

Rumours, as yet unconfirmed, are that Tom Cruise is out in New Zealand filming and looking for match tickets.  

After Daniel Craig flew to Sydney and ended up in the changing room four years ago, it does go to highlight the lure of the Lions.  The best Cruise movie quote to fit in with the start of the series? Answers on a postcard please...

Alex Payne will be presenting Sky Sports' live coverage of the first Test between New Zealand and the Lions from 0730 BST on Saturday morning