Hurricanes vs. British & Irish Lions: Start Time, Live Stream for 2017 Tour Game
Having lost the first Test to New Zealand on Saturday, the British & Irish Lions will begin their preparations for the second showdown with the All Blacks when they take on the Hurricanes on Tuesday.
After a determined performance, head coach Warren Gatland's side were eventually undone by the class of the world champions at Eden Park, succumbing to a 30-15 loss to New Zealand. Improvements will need to be made if they're to keep the series alive when they next come face-to-face with the All Blacks.
The Hurricanes will pose a tough test, though, as they are the Super Rugby champions and a team boasting some excellent players.
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Below are the key viewing details for the eighth match of this Lions tour and a look ahead to how the encounter is set to unfold.
Date: Tuesday, June 27
Time: 8:35 a.m. (BST), 7:35 p.m. (Local)
TV Info: Sky Sports (UK)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)
Preview
The Lions' official Twitter account relayed the XV that will take to the field for the showdown with the Hurricanes:
There was a spell during the first Test, with momentum at their back, when the Lions looked capable of becoming the first side to beat New Zealand at Eden Park in 23 years.
But the All Blacks showed exactly why they are such a force in clutch moments of the game, taking advantage of lapses in concentration from the visitors and eventually earning a comfortable win. It gives Gatland's players a mountain to climb in the series.
By contrast, as noted by Paul Hayward of the Daily Telegraph, the tourists were unable to capitalise on some good openings when they trailed by just five points early in the second period:
Those who didn't play a significant role in Saturday's loss will get a chance to show what they can do against the Hurricanes, with Gatland ringing the changes after a bruising opener.
And while it would be a surprise to see too many players starting Tuesday's game playing in the second Test, there are a collection of names that Gatland will have a close eye on.
England's Courtney Lawes will be one, while Ireland's versatile CJ Stander is another, especially given how New Zealand bossed the breakdown and scrum in their win over the Lions. Per former England star Brian Moore, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock ran riot from second row:
Although these preparatory tour matches are not the main focus for the visitors, for the Hurricanes this will be an occasion to savour.
It means a makeshift Lions side will most likely take on a team that is close to full strength in Wellington on Tuesday evening. Indeed, as reported by Hamish Bidwell of Rugby Heaven, the Super Rugby kings will most likely have Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Vaea Fifita and Ngani Laumape to call upon for this fixture.
The former of that quartet, in particular, will be a huge threat with his powerful running and inventiveness in possession.
As noted by Charlie Morgan of the Daily Telegraph, the fact a player of Savea's pedigree is not involved in the New Zealand team is testament to their remarkable strength in depth:
In Super Rugby in 2017, the Hurricanes have been enjoying a decent campaign, winning 11 of their 14 matches in the competition. So the Lions will be up against a side in good form.
The challenge for Gatland will be getting cohesion out of a team that is set to be relatively untested. Still, the determination to make an impression on the tour and potentially force their way into the plans of the coach for a clash with the All Blacks will surely trigger a strong performance from the visitors.
A close match looks to be on the cards, although the Hurricanes will have just enough to secure a memorable win on their own patch.
Prediction: Hurricanes 30-27 Lions
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