Gatland’s gamble may not reap rewards in crunch Second Test
Published:
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has rolled the dice ahead of his side’s crucial Second Test against New Zealand.
However, his attacking line-up isn’t fancied to deliver the goods this Saturday in Wellington.
The Lions are 5/1 to level the series with their hosts just 1/6 to follow-up last week’s 30-15 victory with another win. The tie is available at odds of 33/1.
Johnny Sexton has been called up from the bench to start at fly-half while Owen Farrell will move across to inside centre to play alongside the Irishman.
The pair will be crucial to the Lions’ hopes of clawing their way back from the brink although the tourists will need more than extra attacking impetus to snatch the win.
They’ll have to retain the defensive solidity they showed at Eden Park and take their chances at the other end.
On a rain-soaked pitch the former shouldn’t be beyond Gatland’s side. But combining both elements will be tough against an All Blacks outfit seemingly superior in all departments.
Rieko Ioane announced himself on the big stage in the First Test, scoring two tries.
The flying winger is just 5/6 to cross the line at any time and 7/1 to score the game’s first try.
Ioane will also have a partner in crime all too familiar to the Lions with Highlanders star Waisake Naholo called-up to replace the concussed Ben Smith.
Naholo was instrumental in his club side’s midweek victory over the Lions and we’re offering 3/1 (was 9/4) for both Naholo and Ioane to score a try anytime.
With regards to the possible scoreline, we could well see a similar margin to the 15-point gap witnessed in Auckland.
New Zealand to win by 11-15 points is a 5/1 shot but we’re enhancing a 17-point+ victory to 13/8 (was 11/8) while the Lions +14 on the handicap is available at even-money.
Click here for the latest New Zealand v British and Irish Lions odds and specials.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
