New Zealand v British and Irish Lions: What time does the third Test kick-off, 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 a chance to make history when they take on New Zealand in the deciding Test in Auckland on Saturday. 

The Lions’ only previous series success against the All Blacks in 11 attempts was back in 1971, but Warren Gatland's side can write their names in the record books with victory at Eden Park. 

However, to do that the Lions must halt New Zealand's 38-match winning streak in Auckland that stretches back to 1994. 

The All Blacks won the first encounter 30-15 in Auckland but the Lions bounced back to edge a thrilling second Test in Wellington. 

So it’s all set up nicely for the decider...

What time is New Zealand v British & Irish Lions, what channel is it on and where?

Date: Saturday, July 8
Kick-off time: 0835 BST
TV Channel: Sky Sports 1
Venue:  Eden Park, Auckland
Sky Bet odds: New Zealand 2/9, Lions 7/2

Team news & line-ups

Liam Williams has shaken off his leg concern to allow the British and Irish Lions to name an unchanged team for Saturday's Test series decider against New Zealand.

The Wales full-back sat out part of training on Wednesday, with assistant coach Neil Jenkins admitting he had "tightness" in his leg, but the 26-year-old has still been named in the Lions' line-up for the third Test.

Sam Warburton again leads the tourists from blindside flanker, as the Lions field the same matchday 23 that beat the All Blacks 24-21 in Wellington last weekend to square the series at 1-1. 

Jordie Barrett will make his first New Zealand start in Saturday's Test series decider.

Barrett, the 20-year-old brother of All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett, wins a second cap at full-back after going on as a replacement during the pre-series appointment with Samoa last month.

Elsewhere, Ngani Laumape lines up at centre instead of a suspended Sonny Bill Williams, while juggernaut wing Julian Savea is recalled for Rieko Ioane and Israel Dagg switches from full-back to right-wing, with Waisake Naholo dropping out. 

British and Irish Lions team: L Williams (Wales), A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), O Farrell, E Daly (both England), J Sexton, C Murray (both Ireland), M Vunipola, J George (both England), T Furlong (Ireland), M Itoje (England), A W Jones, S Warburton (both Wales, capt), S O'Brien (Ireland), T Faletau (Wales).

Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler (England), C Lawes (England), CJ Stander (Ireland), R Webb (Wales), B Te'o, J Nowell (both England). 

New Zealand team: J Barrett; I Dagg, A Lienert-Brown, N Laumape, J Savea; 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, M Fekitoa. 

New Zealand v Lions odds, betting preview & best bets

Our rugby union expert Steve Bramley has four tips for Saturday's deciding Test between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions - click here to check them out! 

Sky Bet odds

New Zealand are odds-on at 1/4 to complete a series win over the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park on Saturday.

The world champions won the first meeting between the sides at Eden Park 30-15 and are 9/2 to claim the series courtesy of  an 11-15 points margin.

The Lions, who took the series to a decider with a 24-21 victory in Wellington, are 4/1 to claim an historic triumph while they get a 12-point start in the regular handicap market, in which both sides are priced at evens.

Check out all Sky Bet's prices ahead of the Third Test

New Zealand v Lions: Key battles

BEAUDEN BARRETT (New Zealand) v JOHNNY SEXTON (Lions)

All Blacks playmaker Barrett has experienced something of a testing series so far, being moved to full-back in the first Test when Ben Smith was injured, then missing three kickable penalties during the second Test defeat, although he did land seven shots at goal. A world-class display might just be around the corner, but in Ireland star Sexton, the Lions possess a fly-half good enough to mix it with the best, and his midfield partnership alongside Owen Farrell six days ago operated impressively. Barrett and Sexton are both capable of bossing it.

AARON SMITH (New Zealand) v CONOR MURRAY (Lions)

Scrum-half Smith was a dominant figure in the All Blacks' first Test win, proving pivotal to how New Zealand played. He was then sometimes left a frustrated figure in Wellington, infuriated by the 14-man All Blacks' failure to capitalise on defensive space. Murray, a Wellington try-scorer, barely put a foot wrong at the Westpac Stadium, and the scrum-half battle is arguably also a contest to anoint currently the world's best number nine.

BRODIE RETALLICK (New Zealand) v MARO ITOJE (Lions)

Lock Retallick's remarkable strike-rate in New Zealand colours has seen him experience just three defeats during a 63-cap career. He is a complete forward, superb in the set-piece rudiments, a physical force around the field and with the handling and passing skills of a threequarter. Itoje, though, is the northern hemisphere's equivalent, with no obvious weaknesses in his game. Aged just 22, his career has already seen him win more trophies and honours than most players could ever contemplate, and the bigger the occasion, the better he seems to perform. Retallick versus Itoje is top of the bill material.

KIERAN READ (New Zealand) v TAULUPE FALETAU (Lions)

All Blacks skipper Read will become the seventh New Zealand player to win 100 Test caps when he runs out at Eden Park. He was inspirational during the first Test, and then almost dragged 14 men to victory in Wellington a week later. He rarely makes a mistake, but the same can be said of Lions number eight Faletau, whose consistency puts him up there in Read's company among the world's leading back-row forwards. Both players are hugely-influential, and it will be no surprise if one of them does something decisive on Saturday.

New Zealand v Lions: Key Quotes 

LIONS CAMP

Warren Gatland on his team selection: "It is not very often on a Lions tour that you get to pick the same 23 for the following game. We felt we should reward the players for the result and the courage that they showed in coming from behind from 18-9 down, digging themselves out of a hole and then finishing strongly in that last 10 to 15 minutes. 

"There are some players who are pretty disappointed not to be selected and I understand that. It is what you would expect from competitive top athletes, they back themselves. 

"But we have stressed all along that this is not all about the 23 players but about everyone in the squad. They have all put their disappointment behind them and are helping the match day squad prepare the best they can for the Test match. 

"We are all aware of how big this game is and we are expecting a backlash from the All Blacks. But the pleasing thing about the second Test is just how strong we were in the last 10 or 15 minutes, in terms of energy and enthusiasm so we still feel there is another level in us."

 Johnny Sexton on nerves: "I struggle sometimes with the nerves but this is once-in-a-lifetime stuff, so you have to treasure it. Sometimes they get easier, then other times they are worse than ever - especially when you consider this type of game.

"Potentially it's your last in a Lions shirt as you don't know what is down the line. You try and control the nerves the best you can and use them to your advantage. If you weren't nervous I would be pretty worried. I would say there will be a lot of pretty nervous boys come Saturday. We will use our experiences to get over the line.

"It's down to the last game - two different sides and we are playing against the World Cup winners, but we are a better Lions side than four years ago. We have to cherish the atmosphere, it does not come around too often. You have got to try and enjoy it.

"The support we have had out here has been incredible. It shows how good Lions tours are and how much it means to people in the professional game."

Elliot Daly on the fluidity of the Lions backline: "It's very exciting because everyone can fill in and cover another role, if we go wide and we're coming back and don't have the exact numbers.

"Everyone's very, very comfortable on the ball and there's no need for any one particular person to rush to move in and be a ball player as someone else will slot in and fill that hole. It's great to have so many ball players on the pitch at any one time."

Anthony Watson on win or bust: "It's all about winning on Saturday. Going home as 2-1 losers, you are still a loser, so to me, we want to win. In my head, for me personally, it's about trying to get a win on Saturday."It's not up to me whether it becomes a heroic victory if we win or whatever it is, so for me it's about working as hard as possible to prepare as best as possible and leaving it all out there on Saturday.

"I wouldn't say we've got them (New Zealand) on the ropes, but we've definitely got to keep our momentum pushing forward on the back of a victory at the weekend, which gives us confidence.

"With the All Blacks, it's very much a case of expect the unexpected. They've attacked in two different ways in the last two games, so who knows what way they will attack in the third (Test) and what way they will defend? It's about us preparing for anything."

Taulupe Faletau on Maro Itoje's impact and the Lions' chances of glory: "He has put a marker down in world rugby. He was phenomenal, I thought. I am just glad he is on our side.

"The win was great, but it's only half the job. There is a big job next weekend we need to get done. There is a big task ahead. They are a great team. They are not the world champions for no reason.

"They went down to 14 men (after Sonny Bill Williams was sent off) but were competing until the final whistle. They are just a great side and you've got to be on your game, otherwise they will make you pay.

"We responded to the challenge set out by the All Blacks in the first Test. They dominated us in the first game, but the way the boys responded was amazing. To be on the pitch and see it happening was great.

"I am just enjoying the fact that I am here, in the world champions' country, challenging myself against them."

Prop Tadhg Furlong is expecting a similar battle on Saturday to the one Ireland faced against New Zealand last November: "When your pride is a little dented, you come out and you'll be absolutely bulling for it.

"That match in Dublin, I remember coming off the pitch and being absolutely shattered. I was sore for days afterwards. It was one of the most brutal Test matches I've played in my short career. So we all expect to have the same thing again. And we've got to tee ourselves up for it."

NEW ZEALAND CAMP 

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen on his team selection: "Firstly, on behalf of the All Blacks and all of New Zealand, I would like to congratulate Reado on reaching the milestone of 100 Test matches. It is a special achievement to play just one Test, so to play 100 is a remarkable effort.

"His playing ability speaks for itself and inspires others, and he now joins a unique group of special All Blacks. We would also like to congratulate Jordie on making his first Test start in what will be a very memorable occasion for him.

"This final match in the series is going to be a cracker. It's the series we expected it to be, as the Lions have quality players. It now comes down to this Saturday - the winner takes all - and that will create its own unique pressures, and it's going to be interesting to see how both sides cope with it.

"We've had a good week of preparation and are very excited by the opportunity that is ahead of us, and I am sure the Lions are as well. We know it will be a physical and intense match, but just as importantly, it will be a game where both teams will have moments of momentum, and the ability of everyone to adapt and adjust throughout the 80 minutes will be crucial."  

New Zealand skipper Kieran Read on the excitement and pressure: "We weren't really happy with the way we played last week, so certainly we've got to make a change," number eight Read added. It is a pretty exciting challenge. It doesn't get better than playing at Eden Park in what, in a sense, is a final. So it's a pretty awesome opportunity. It (pressure) has ramped up a little bit, which is expected.

"There are a few guys who are used to it, so you have to impart your knowledge about what these moments do mean to teams, and the way we can do that is embrace it.

"As a rugby player, these are the moments you want to be involved in, on the biggest stage, and, as I said, we are looking forward to the game, the task that is ahead of us. We can't wait for it. I think you come off a loss and there is a bit of edge around, and guys want to get back out there and have another crack. Fortunately, we've got that opportunity.

"And the reality is we know what's coming up, it's a three-match series, and this was always going to be the case if we lost one of those first two games."

Brodie Retallick wants New Zealand to create their own history: "We've just got to get it right this week and nail this week. We are in control of the history now. If we can go out there and do the business, then hopefully we come out on the right side.

"Throughout the series, we've touched on the history and the different tours that have come to New Zealand.

"If you look at a World Cup final, some people may only go to one World Cup, and I guess this is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the Lions, and then try to win a Lions series."

Jerome Kaino says Saturday's Test decider feels like a World Cup final:   "With it being 1-1, it does have the feeling of a World Cup final, so I am getting excited about the prospect of being able to play.  

"It definitely has that feel. I think the excitement we had at training today backs that up." 

Third Test: Facts and Statistics

The teams have met on 40 occasions. New Zealand lead the series 30-7, with three draws.

New Zealand's record win in the series was a 38-6 success in 1983, while the Lions boast a best of 20-7 in 1993.

The last drawn Test match between New Zealand and the Lions produced a 14-14 scoreline in 1971.

New Zealand are unbeaten at Eden Park since 1994, when France beat them 23-20.

Victory for the Lions on Saturday would give them a first Test series success against New Zealand for 46 years, and only their second in history.

The Lions have played 11 Tests against New Zealand at Eden Park, losing nine, drawing one and winning one.

New Zealand have scored 30 points or more in each of their last four Tests against the Lions in Auckland.

All Blacks skipper Kieran Read will win his 100th cap on Saturday - the seventh New Zealand player to reach that landmark after Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Mils Muliaina.

New Zealand, beaten by the Lions in Wellington last weekend, have not lost two successive Tests since 2011 when South Africa and Australia toppled them.

The Lions have fought back from 1-0 down to win a Test series only twice before - in 1899 and 1989.

Lions Tour 2017: Fixtures and results

Kick-off times BST
Click on each scoreline for report and points scorers

Saturday June 3
New Zealand Provincial Barbarians 7-13 Lions
Venue: Toll Stadium, Whangarei

Wednesday June 7
Blues 22-16 Lions
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Saturday June 10
Crusaders 3-12 Lions
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Tuesday June 13
Highlanders 23-22 Lions
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Saturday June 17
Maori All Blacks 10-32 Lions
Venue: Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

Tuesday June 20
Chiefs 6-34 Lions
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Saturday June 24
FIRST TEST: New Zealand 30-15 Lions
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Tuesday June 27
Hurricanes 31-31 Lions
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Saturday July 1
SECOND TEST: New Zealand 21-24 Lions
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Saturday July 8
THIRD TEST: New Zealand v Lions
Kick-off time & TV channel: 0835, Sky Sports 1
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

How the Lions have fared in series deciders

The British and Irish Lions face a series decider for the seventh time in their history on Saturday. Here's how they have performed in each of those deciders.

1903 - Lions lose 1-0 in South Africa

After two successive draws - the second ending in a 0-0 stalemate - the Lions entered the decider in Cape Town with the whole tour on the line. Two tries swept the Springboks to victory and inflicted upon the Lions a maiden series defeat having prevailed on all four previous tours.

1910 - Lions lose 2-1 in South Africa

There was more misery for the Lions in South Africa when their return proved equally unsuccessful despite taking the series to a decider with an 8-3 win in Port Elizabeth. Cape Town was the setting for their disappointment once more as Tommy Smyth's tourists were crushed 21-5.

1989 - Lions win 2-1 in Australia

The Lions' first visit to Australian shores for 19 years and their first dedicated tour of the country since 1899 teetered on the brink of disaster after a 30-12 mauling in the first Test - their heaviest defeat to the Wallabies. Significant changes were made - among them the selection of Jeremy Guscott, Rob Andrew and Mike Teague - and successive wins were reeled off.

1993 - Lions lose 2-1 in New Zealand

The last Lions tour of the amateur era was a case of what might have been. A dubious late penalty - one of several contentious refereeing decisions - cost them victory in the first Test. Seven days later Wellington proved a happier hunting ground in the shape of a 20-7 victory and a place in Lions legend awaited Gavin Hastings' men, but they were well beaten 30-13 at Eden Park - the arena for Saturday's showdown.

2001 - Lions lose 2-1 in Australia

The Lions dared to dream after crushing the Wallabies 29-13 in the first Test, Brian O'Driscoll and Jason Robinson running in memorable tries, but they unravelled a week later with Nathan Grey's elbow on Richard Hill that ended the influential England flanker's series acting as the catalyst for a 35-14 loss. The Sydney decider was a nail-biter that saw the Lions botch a late attacking line-out to succumb 29-23.

2013 - Lions win 2-1 in Australia

The rivals were hard to separate over the first two Tests, the Brisbane opener lit up by George North's Jonah Lomu-esque try. The build-up to the decider centred on Warren Gatland's contentious decision to drop Brian O'Driscoll for Jonathan Davies, a call that was in part justified by a resounding 41-16 triumph which avenged the heartache of 12 years earlier. The Lions were magnificent in one of their finest performances.