New Zealand v The British Lions - 1st Test, Christchurch

Let's take a look at the merits of both sides before this first big clash. The Lions have been steady but a little bit lacklustre in their performances so far. They have struggled to look like a cohesive unit at times, but as they haven't played together, naturally it might take a little time to gel. The problem for the management is that they have taken a slightly controversial stance in the first Test, by relying heavily on English players. It's a gamble that Sir Clive Woodward needs to pull off, because if they were to lose heavily....a lot of questions will be asked especially by the Welsh contingent. In fact, the whole Tour could take a turn for the worst if things go belly up in Christchurch. However, Clive Woodward is a natural winner, and we'll have to trust his judgement. Let's look first though at the All Blacks. Naturally confident due to their dominance of World rugby, they will go into the First Test with very little to fear. They have witnessed what the Lions have to offer, and so far it will not unduely worry them. In fact if there is one thing that the New Zealanders have to worry about, and that is their own over confidence. The reality also, is that the All Blacks have only had about four weeks together as well, and they have only had one game this year so far, when they beat a weak Fiji side 91-0. So it would be foolish to assume they are battle hardened. They do however know each others game well and as a unit will have a certain edge, but not as great as some would say. Home advantage at such a hotbed of New Zealand rugby will also be a factor. Their team on paper oozes quality. Daniel Carter will take on a lot of responsibility at outside half, but he has a star quality about him that suggests he'll take it in his stride. We know it will take a mighty performance to up end the All Blacks, because they are so consistent and their pride will not allow them to lie down. On to the Lions side and the first thing you notice is the English influence, especially in the pack. Clive Woodward is relying heavily on experience and brawn. Up front it could be brutal and the experienced back row of Hill, Back and Corry will need to be at their best. Woodward's thinking could be harking back to Wellington in the summer of 2003, when a defiant England pack repelled everything the All Blacks could throw at them and won 13-15. The same sort of resilience will be needed again, and you can see where he is coming from. In the backs the omission of Gavin Henson could come back to haunt Sir Clive, his preference being for Johnny Wilkinson to take the inside centre berth. The up side is that Wilkinson's kicking can be given the stage it deserves. The Welsh half backs of Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones are a solid combination and they proved this year that they can handle pressure. There is no shortage of talent in this Lions team. Underestimate them at your peril.In summary then we can expect a very tight game on Saturday. There is a lot at stake, and a win by any means is what it is all about. Kicking will have a bearing, as Wilkinson's inclusion suggests. With a tight game in prospect, it's conceivable that the game will be tied at half time. A draw half time and NZ to win is 16/1, a draw half time and the Lions to win at full time is 22/1. Draw/Draw is 80/1. All these look very tempting indeed. It won't be a spectacle of running rugby, so you won't be choking on your cornflakes.....but even so it will be a fascinating game. Get a free twenty five pound bet on the game from Stan James!