New Zealand v British and Irish Lions: First Test kick-off time, TV channel, latest betting odds & team news
All the team news, latest odds, kick-off details, quotes, statistics & key head-to-head battles ahead of the first Test between New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park.
Click here for a full Lions tour schedule, results, odds, features and historical stats
The wait is almost over.
After six tour matches, the British and Irish Lions finally face off against the might of New Zealand in the first Test at Eden Park on Saturday June 24, as they look to make a winning start in their quest for an historic series triumph.
Warren Gatland's side had their fair share of critics after two defeats in their opening four warm-up matches but back-to-back victories since then has seen confidence in the camp grow and they could well be hitting their peak at just the right time.
Nevertheless they are still outsiders to earn the Lions just their seventh Test win against the All Blacks - and first since 1993 - in the 39th meeting between the sides.
New Zealand v British & Irish Lions: First Test details
Date: Saturday, June 24
Kick-off time: 0835 BST
TV Channel: Sky Sports 1 HD
Venue: Eden Park
Sky Bet odds: New Zealand 2/9, Lions 7/2
Team news & line-ups
Peter O'Mahony will captain the British and Irish Lions in Saturday's first Test against New Zealand.
The Ireland flanker has won selection ahead of tour skipper Sam Warburton, who takes a seat on the bench for the weekend's Eden Park clash.
Saturday's Auckland showdown now becomes the first time a tour captain has not led the Lions in an opening Test since England's Doug Prentice missed out in 1930.
Liam Williams has been preferred to Leigh Halfpenny at full-back, while Elliot Daly starts on the left-wing in an attacking back three.
The pack that suffocated the runaway Super Rugby leaders the Crusaders 12-3 in Christchurch starts the first Test, with Warburton primed to join the fray from the bench.
Halfpenny's omission from the starting XV suggests that fly-half Owen Farrell - fit after a thigh injury scare - will kick at goal, though Wasps star Daly boasts a strong long-range kicking option.
Daly's strong showing in the 34-6 win over the Chiefs on Tuesday night appears to have swayed Gatland's mind to start him for the first Test, with Saracens-bound Williams also having impressed in Hamilton at full-back.
Kieran Read has recovered from injury and will captain New Zealand in Saturday's first Test against the British and Irish Lions.
The Crusaders number eight last played more than seven weeks ago, when he suffered a broken thumb while on Super Rugby duty.
But he is fit agin to pack down in the All Blacks' back-row alongside Jerome Kaino and Sam Cane as New Zealand look to extend their long unbeaten run at Eden Park.
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has sprung a surprise on the left-wing, though, handing Rieko Ioane a first Test start instead of the more experienced Julian Savea.
Elsewhere, World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams lines up in midfield with a fit-again Ryan Crotty, with Crotty replacing Anton Lienert-Brown following last week's 78-0 victory over Samoa.
New Zealand: B Smith; I Dagg, R Crotty, S B Williams, R Ioane; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt). Replacements: N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden or L Sopoaga, A Lienert-Brown.
British and Irish Lions: L Williams (Wales); A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), B Te'o, E Daly; O Farrell (all England), C Murray (Ireland); M Vunipola, J George (both England), T Furlong (Ireland), AW Jones (Wales), G Kruis (England), P O'Mahony (capt), S O'Brien (both Ireland), T Faletau (Wales). Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler, M Itoje (both England), S Warburton, R Webb (both Wales), J Sexton (Ireland), L Halfpenny (Wales).
New Zealand v Lions betting preview & best bet
Rugby union expert Tony Calvin has a 14/1 bet for the first Test between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions.
Click here to check out his in-depth verdict!
New Zealand v Lions odds
Price Boost: Lions to win the series 2-1 at 8/1 from 5/1
Price Boost: Lions to win first Test by 1-12 points - 11/2 from 4/1
New Zealand are 2/7 favourites to win the first Test while the Lions can be backed at 100/30 to claim a shock triumph, with the draw priced at 28/1.
The Lions have an 11-point start in the regular handicap market, in which you can back both teams at evens, but there are other lines available such as the All Blacks at 4/1 to overturn a 26-point handicap deficit.
There are a whole host of other markets to check out including winning margins (Lions 8/1 to win by 1-5 points), number of tries scored (9/2 for six tries) and RequestABet specials such as...
The posts to be hit by a conversion, penalty or drop goal - 6/5
Owen Farrell to score over 20.5 points - 7/1
Liam Williams to be shown a yellow card - 16/1
Both teams to score 30 points or more and Lions win - 50/1
In terms of the overall series, the Lions are 4/1 outsiders to claim an historic second ever series victory over New Zealand and first since 1971.
The All Blacks are 1/6 to win the three-match series and just 4/6 to register their second successive 3-0 whitewash over the Lions having done so back in 2005. A drawn series is 28/1.
Click here for New Zealand v Lions series odds
Click here for New Zealand v Lions 1st Test odds
New Zealand v Lions: Alex Payne
"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."
Check out Alex Payne's full Notes From New Zealand column here...
New Zealand v Lions: Key Quotes
LIONS
Head coach Warren Gatland on his team selections: "We have picked a side based on form with a lot of players putting their hands up, especially from the Crusaders and Maori All Blacks games, and it was a lively selection meeting. The win against the Chiefs was also extremely important for the squad and some players played themselves into the side.
"We have continuously been strong at set piece and have been good defensively in the last two or three outings. But to beat the All Blacks you have to be courageous and play some rugby - you have to score tries and I think we have picked a team capable of doing that.
"It's a reward for how the back row has gone. There is a nice balance there while Peter captained the side against the Maori All Blacks and has done a good job.”
There are seven Test Lions in the starting XV with three more on the bench in a match day squad combining experience and form.
"Elliot has been very accurate in the way he has played and we saw some excellent attacking play from Liam on Tuesday night. We are excited about the 15 that take the field but also the very strong and experienced bench players who will have an impact."
On the trash talking between him and Steve Hansen: "It's not about me at all, this is about the Lions and this group of players. It's not about trying to get one-up on anyone, or me coming home.
"I'm not worried about Steve (Hansen), he can say whatever he likes. If I'm getting up his nose that's a nice position to be in!
"We've got ourselves to prepare, we know it's going to be a tough encounter. Let's let the rugby do the talking because there's been enough trash talking already. So let's get excited about what could be a fantastic series. A couple of sideline things have taken the focus away from that.
"The welcome, the hospitality we have received has been awesome. I'm getting a different message from the one we've been receiving as a squad of players from sometimes what's being reported in the media."
On the preparations during the tour matches: "I think we've played some lovely rugby. We struggled at the start of the tour, but we've outscored opponents nine tries to three in the last four games. I can't fault the players if we're getting some success by dominating up front.
"We're not going to be talked into playing Barbarian-type rugby when we've got certain weapons we can use to our advantage. That's being smart about how you play.
"And hopefully we can be strong at set-piece and strong defensively at the weekend, and when the opportunities arise we can get in behind the All Blacks and finish the opportunities we create."
Peter O'Mahony on his mentor Anthony 'Axel' Foley, who died suddenly on October 16 last year, when the Thomond Park men were gearing up to face Racing 92 in Paris: "Axel's a rugby man, so he would have told us all 'play your game, play what you do and what you know'. He'd have said there's a reason there's 45 players here now who have been selected. So just go out and play the game you know and do what you're here to do.
"There's no point in trying to be something you're not over here. You've been picked for a reason, so if you go out and play as well as you can, no one's going to fault you for that."
On if he could have predicted his captaincy even just three months ago: "No, not at all. You would hope he (Foley) would be proud. It's been a difficult season, but you try and take as many positives out of it as you can. The experiences I have had and we've all had here, it's about learning and growing."
Assistant coach Graham Rowntree on the challenge of playing the All Blacks at Eden Park, a ground where they are unbeaten in 38 matches. "We have trained hard and fast, which you have to to play the All Blacks.
"The ball is on the field for a long time - it's a quick game - and we have put the players under a lot of stress. They have trained exceptionally hard.
"The guys are ready to go. We've got a healthy squad all chomping at the bit."
Reflecting on the particular challenges posed by New Zealand's forwards, Rowntree said: "They have a very efficient, excellent lineout, and in the scrum they have been leading the charge for quite a long time now.
"They are an efficient, honest forward pack, and we've got our hands full, but luckily we've had some good challenges over the last two weeks, and I am really happy with how the boys have adapted."
NEW ZEALAND
Head coach Steve Hansen on his team selections: "This was a really tough team to pick because there were a number of players in great form vying for positions. But in the end, the three selectors felt this was the best combination to take on the Lions in the first Test."
"They've (Read and Crotty) both been on target to return for this game all the way through, are both in great shape and, together with the rest of the squad, they are really excited at what is ahead of us.
"I would also like to congratulate Rieko on getting his first start for the All Blacks. His outstanding form throughout the season this year, including against the Lions, has earned him his start on the wing.
"There is a real understanding that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The players are well aware of the history of the All Blacks and the Lions and are determined to respect that history with their performances.
"We know this is a very good British and Irish Lions team; probably one of the best to have toured here. It will be a battle of contrasting styles, which makes it an intriguing Test to prepare for and to be part of.
"We know the importance of this match, and we will bring real energy and intensity. It will be a physical Test, but just as importantly, it will be a mental test. There will be a unique and electric atmosphere at Eden Park on Saturday night. It is something we're really looking forward to, and we can't wait."
On whether Warren Gatland has been applying pressure on referee Jaco Peyper: "The referee's got the hardest job in the world, I reckon. With the blocking, the rule says that as long as you don't change your direction of running, you are entitled to run back to help your team-mate, and that's the key, isn't it?
"Turn around and run back, and don't change your line. If your line is the same, then you are not blocking, what you are doing is just running back to help your team-mate.
"But if you run five metres to get in front of someone, that's dopey, that's dumb. We just want the ref to referee the rules the way they said they were going to, and be consistent about it. Will there be mistakes? Yes, there will be because they are humans, just like both teams will make mistakes themselves.
"There is no point trying to bully the referees publicly in the media. We have a moment to meet them (on Friday) and we will talk about things we need to talk about in private. And he will give his interpretation of what he wants, and then it is up to us to go and deliver that."
New Zealand lock Sam Whitelock admits playing against the Lions is one of the highlights of his career: "This first Test sits right up there. It is something only a few great All Blacks get to do.
"Some guys can have outstanding 10-year careers and never get to play against them (Lions). It's very fortunate for this current squad to be involved.
"Comparing it to other big games, there is a similar amount of pressure there, with the hype and the atmosphere. It has been one of those things that we've been talking about all year.
"Now it's here, and the boys are really excited about it. You can see the energy out there. It is something really easy to get up for."
Head-to-head battles
FULL-BACK
New Zealand, Ben Smith: The world's best full-back and a talent who can decide a match on his own
Lions, Liam Williams: Preferred to Leigh Halfpenny, Williams must reprise the fine form he showed in Tuesday's 34-6 Chiefs win.
VERDICT: Smith shades it over Williams on reputation, but the Lions man could still wield a big impact on proceedings.
WING
New Zealand, Israel Dagg: Picked ahead of Waisake Naholo and Julian Savea, a true threat in broken-field play.
Lions, Elliot Daly: The Wasps flyer boasts a fine kicking and counter-attacking game, and balances out the Lions' back-three options.
VERDICT: Daly could edge this one on versatility. The England star will need a perfect game to do just that, however.
OUTSIDE CENTRE
New Zealand, Ryan Crotty: A midfield playmaker operating at outside centre, or just a numbers switch with Sonny Bill Williams? Crotty could pose the Lions a lot of problems if he lurks in the 13 channel in a bid to find a chink in the tourists' rush defence.
Lions, Jonathan Davies: A bullish operator who has been in fine form and showing smart footwork. Will never lack for industry or graft either.
VERDICT: Too close to call, so will come down to which team creates the most space for their 13.
INSIDE CENTRE
New Zealand, Sonny Bill Williams: The wrecking-ball centre's supreme offloading ability could be enough to win the game on its own.
Lions, Ben Te'o: England star Te'o has bested Williams before in their rugby league days in Sydney. Must be at his muscular best to shut out his opponent.
VERDICT: Too close to call, but their collisions will be utterly compelling.
WING
New Zealand, Rieko Ioane: The 20-year-old Blues star has sped through the All Blacks ranks, very highly rated.
Lions, Anthony Watson: The England flyer is the tourists' arch finisher. Seriously rapid and can conjure something from nothing.
VERDICT: Watson should have the edge here, if he heeds boss Warren Gatland's requests to back himself and go all-out in attack.
FLY-HALF
New Zealand, Beauden Barrett: The most dangerous fly-half in world rugby, Barrett's kick-pass threat is a huge weapon that the Lions may struggle to close down.
Lions, Owen Farrell: A serious challenger to Barrett's status as number one Test 10. Farrell has the chance here to alter that thinking, and his steely focus suggests he will not wilt.
VERDICT: Barrett boasts a wider skill-set but Farrell the unrelenting drive. Given half a chance though, Farrell could shut down his rival.
SCRUM-HALF
New Zealand, Aaron Smith: A sniping, pest of a scrum-half who boasts sterling passing abilities.
Lions, Conor Murray: The world's best kicking scrum-half. Can elevate himself to new levels again in this series.
VERDICT: Murray takes the edge here.
PROP
New Zealand, Joe Moody: A solid operator with smart technical skills.
Lions, Tadhg Furlong: The Ireland tighthead has excelled in the last 12 months.
VERDICT: Furlong can expect to dominate this particular battle.
HOOKER
New Zealand, Codie Taylor: Understudy to the injured Dane Coles but still top quality.
Lions, Jamie George: A real hard man with top-drawer technique and no little grit.
VERDICT: George has the edge here and the Lions will want to turn the screw in the front-row.
PROP
New Zealand, Owen Franks: A vastly experienced campaigner and wily operator in the set-piece.
Lions, Mako Vunipola: An increasingly durable scrummager and a potent threat around the field.
VERDICT: Vunipola could take control here.
LOCK
New Zealand, Brodie Retallick: The best lock on the planet, his playmaking abilities astound at times and bolt onto supremacy in all his main duties.
Lions, Alun Wyn Jones: The Wales battler knows just how to dominate a tight exchange and will need all that nous here.
VERDICT: Retallick can claim the advantage in this match-up.
LOCK
New Zealand, Sam Whitelock: Another stellar operator for the hosts, forges a formidable partnership with Retallick.
Lions, George Kruis: The Saracens star has shouldered extra leadership in New Zealand and is in fine form.
VERDICT: Kruis can shade this, but only just. A titanic battle.
BLINDSIDE FLANKER
New Zealand, Jerome Kaino: The veteran Blues star is the All Blacks' enforcer. Not boasting the legs of old, but still a wily performer.
Lions, Peter O'Mahony (capt): The fiery Munster captain can set the Lions' tone with a tub-thumping turn on Saturday.
VERDICT: O'Mahony has the focused fury to take the edge in this encounter.
OPENSIDE FLANKER
New Zealand, Sam Cane: The heir to Richie McCaw's throne. Still battling to reach the almost unattainable levels of his predecessor.
Lions, Sean O'Brien: A bullish, ball-carrying battler who will slug it out with the best of them. In top form, the All Blacks fear his line-breaking abilities.
VERDICT: O'Brien can bludgeon his way to the edge in this one.
NUMBER EIGHT
New Zealand, Kieran Read (capt): One of the finest around, but in his first game back after a thumb injury so may be undercooked.
Lions, Taulupe Faletau: Dubbed the best player on the Lions tour so far by captain Peter O'Mahony.
VERDICT: Read could sneak ahead here, but only if he is at full throttle and not hampered by the thumb concern.
First Test statistics
Sam Warburton is the first Lions tour captain not to start the first Test since England international Doug Prentice 87 years ago. Prentice left himself out of the 1930 series opener against New Zealand in Dunedin, which the Lions won.
It is the fourth time in Lions history that a captain has not started the first Test, following tours in 1930, 1910 and 1896.
European champions Saracens have three players - Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and George Kruis - in the Lions' Test front-five on Saturday, which equals the record set four years ago for one team, when Ospreys trio Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones and Alun Wyn Jones all started the third Test against Australia.
The Lions starting line-up on Saturday comprises seven Englishmen, four Welsh and four Irish.
There are four starting XV survivors in the Lions team this weekend from their last Test against Australia in Sydney four years ago - centre Jonathan Davies, lock Alun Wyn Jones, flanker Sean O'Brien and number eight Taulupe Faletau.
The Lions have played New Zealand 38 times, winning six games, drawing three and losing 29.
The Lions have not beaten New Zealand since 1993, when they won in Wellington.
The Lions have only beaten New Zealand once at Eden Park - in 1959 - losing seven and drawing one of the other eight meetings.
When New Zealand beat Samoa 78-0 in their Lions series warm-up Test last week, they became the first team in international rugby history to reach 15,000 points. It was the All Blacks' 553rd Test.
Prop Owen Franks will win his 92nd cap on Saturday, equalling former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick as the ninth most capped New Zealand international.
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