A disappointing loss to the Highlanders has threatened to derail the positive feeling earned by the Lions with that tight win over the Crusaders. However, the Highlanders game certainly featured more of a second-string Lions side and familiar issues were exposed – namely poor discipline and an inability to be clinical in taking chances.

This Saturday, the Lions take on the New Zealand Maori. We can argue about who the hardest opposition on the tour are, and certainly the natural cohesion enjoyed by Super Rugby teams makes them formidable in a way an invitational side like the Maori are not. That said, one look at the team sheet shows just what a daunting proposition this will be. Nehe Milner-Skudder, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Damien McKenzie and one time All Black regular Liam Messam are all outstanding players, while Rieko Ioane showed just how dangerous he can be when he played for the Blues. Will Anthony Watson and the rest of the Lions backline cope better than Jack Nowell and co did against Ioane in that match?

In terms of the Lions, this is close to Warren Gatland’s likely starting test team – although he has been typically canny in the press about that, saying ‘We’ve got to make sure we’re not fully showing our hand. We’ve got to keep some combinations back and keep the All Blacks guessing a little about what the final squad might be.’

There are a few ‘close-call’ positions where Gatland is giving a player an opportunity to stake a claim. Jamie George gets a start at hooker, looking to force his way past Ken Owens. Jonathan Davies, probably Gatland’s preferred choice at outside centre has struggled for game time given a few injuries and gets a last chance to take the jersey after Jonathan Joseph impressed against the Highlanders.

Sean O’Brien’s selection at openside also puts him ahead of Justin Tipuric to start the tests, should Sam Warburton be ruled not quite match fit, while Peter O’Mahony being named captain would also suggest he is the frontrunner for the blindside ahead of CJ Stander, and a possible captain should Warburton or Alun Wyn Jones not make the starting XV.

On the subject of Jones, he has had a lot of minutes (partly due to Lawes early withdrawal on Tuesday) so the Krutoje pairing at lock is not necessarily going to start next weekend, but they now have every chance to convince Gatland they should.

Stuart Hogg’s withdrawal means the 15 shirt is up for grabs and Halfpenny’s selection, with Watson on the wing (who looked good himself when given a go at fullback), indicates this may be how Gatland is leaning. This is a big opportunity for him. Elliot Daly is lurking on the bench and where he eventually comes on – a swap for Halfpenny, on the wing for Watson, or on the wing with Watson moving to the back – should partially reveal the result of this audition.

Finally, Sexton was given a run out at 10 as he ‘needs some more rugby and he’s got a bit of his mojo back’. Given Farrell’s slightly concerning late withdrawal due to a quadriceps injury, here’s hoping both that it is only a minor injury and also that Sexton has a blinder. Fingers crossed.

This is it: crunch time. No more excuses about jet lag, lack of familiarity with teammates or bedding in new tactics. This team needs to prove they have what it takes to beat New Zealand. A defeat here, for a close to full-strength side, would be disastrous for confidence. They should win. I hope they win. I am going to back them to win.

My prediction: Lions by 5

Average Superbru prediction: Lions by 1.54

What is your prediction for the match?

By Henry Ker