All Blacks coach Steve Hansen beckons Lions to Eden Park fortress
Auckland — In preparing his team for Saturday’s seismic first Test against the British and Irish Lions, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made a point of looking to the past for inspiration. In the history of past Lions tours only one All Blacks side, in 1971, have lost a series to the combined team. Moreover, they are unbeaten at Eden Park since 1994 and there’s a recognition for this group of players that the three-Test series will be their last chance to face the Lions. "The Lions come every 12 years and we’re excited about that," Hansen told reporters ahead of the first Test, which kicks off at 9.35am (SA time) in Auckland on Saturday. "It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for most people and look at the guys in the first game [Provincial Barbarians], they loved it and they are now keen to go to a higher level. "The Super Rugby sides, they stood up and were counted and it inspired those young kids. "You can feel the enthusiasm and real hunger in the hotel with the players. They’r...
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