New Zealand v British and Irish Lions: Second Test kick-off time, TV channel, latest betting odds & team news

Click here for a full Lions tour schedule, results, odds, features and historical stats 

The British and Irish Lions have it all to do if they are to square the three-match match series with New Zealand in Wellington this weekend.

Warren Gatland's side must win Saturday's second Test at the Westpac Stadium if they are to have any chance of securing only their second series victory against the All Blacks in 12 attempts.

The Lions were outclassed by the world champions in the first Test at Eden Park, losing 30-15 and will need a minor miracle if they are to claim their first Test victory on New Zealand soil since 1993.

On that occasion, the Lions, captained by Gavin Hastings, bounced back from losing the first Test to beat Sean Fitzpatrick's side 20-7 in Wellington before losing the third Test and series 2-1.

The last time the Lions visited Wellington's "Cake Tin," as the stadium is nicknamed, they were baked to a cinder as the All Blacks ran out 48-18 winners in the second Test on their way to a 3-0 series win. 

The Lions' final midweek match of the the current tour ended in a gripping 31-31 draw against Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes, but they will need to produce the performance of their lives if they are to end New Zealand's 47 match unbeaten home record.

New Zealand v British & Irish Lions: Second Test details

Date: Saturday, July 1

Kick-off time: 0835 BST

TV Channel: Sky Sports 1

Venue:  Westpac Stadium, Wellington 

Sky Bet odds: New Zealand 1/7, Lions 9/2 

Team news & line-ups

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has paired Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell as twin playmakers in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

Sam Warburton will captain the Lions, with last weekend's skipper Peter O'Mahony omitted entirely from the match squad, while Alun Wyn Jones has been retained at lock to partner Maro Itoje.

England centre Ben Te'o starts on the bench, while there's no place in the match-day squad for Ireland lock Iain Henderson who impressed in the midweek draw with the Hurricanes at the same venue.

England's Jack Nowell joins the bench along with CJ Stander.

Full-back Ben Smith has been ruled out of the All Blacks' side to face the Lions.

Smith, suffered concussion during last weekend's victory, and centre Ryan Crotty (hamstring) are both sidelined for the Westpac Stadium clash.

Israel Dagg moves from the wing to replace Smith, with Waisake Naholo wearing the number 14 shirt and Anton Lienert-Brown taking over from Crotty alongside Sonny Bill Williams in midfield.

One switch on the bench, meanwhile, sees uncapped Ngani Laumape featuring among the back-division replacements.

Laumape scored a try for the Hurricanes in a thrilling 31-31 draw with the Lions in Wellington on Tuesday, and is now promoted to New Zealand's match-day Test squad.

British and Irish Lions team: L Williams, A Watson, J Davies, O Farrell, E Daly, J Sexton, C Murray, M Vunipola, J George, T Furlong, M Itoje, AW Jones, S Warburton, S O'Brien, T Faletau.

Replacements: K Owens, J McGrath, K Sinckler, C Lawes, CJ Stander, R Webb, B Te'o, J Nowell.

New Zealand team: I Dagg; W Naholo, A Lienert-Brown, 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 Crruden, N Laumape.

New Zealand v Lions betting preview & best bets

Our Steve Bramley has previewed the second Test from a betting perspective and he's got a 20/1 shot among his four selections.

Click here to read his preview in full.

New Zealand v Lions: Key Quotes 

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland on the selection of Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell at fly-half and inside centre:  "Johnny and Owen haven't started but have had quite a bit of time together.

"It's just given us two ball players and two kicking options at first and second receiver, so we're happy with the mix. One concern we might have is that looking at the long-range weather forecast it doesn't look too great for Saturday night.

"So we may have to change how we play tactically."And of course defensively we'll have to do a job on Sonny Bill Williams, too.

"He came pretty direct at us and got away a couple of offloads, so it's going to be important we shut him down."

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen expects the Lions to give everything in an attempt to keep the series alive: "The last Test was a beauty, and with a little bit more luck and finish, they (Lions) could have easily won the Test match.

"They know that, and they will be coming here with a do or die attitude. We have got to front-up on Saturday. It's okay doing it once, we have got to do it again.

"It's going to be real hands to the pump, so to speak, and everyone is going to have to step up, and if we don't step up, we will get second." 

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