WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The British and Irish Lions opening match against a Provincial Barbarians selection on Saturday is likely the easiest and least consequential they will face on tour, yet it will still offer crucial insights into the style the tourists will adopt and the selection plans of coach Warren Gatland.
The Barbarians are a stitched-together collection of players from New Zealand’s provinces who have had little time to prepare and who are not expected to pose any serious threat to the Lions as they start a 10-match tour.
But the Lions themselves have not had an ideal preparation.