24 May 2017

Former All Blacks talk up the Lions' chances

From Morning Report, 8:55 am on 24 May 2017

In 13 series over 129 years, the 1971 New Zealand team bears the distinct dishonour of being the only one to lose a Test series to the Lions.

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Colin Meads breaks free during the 1971 Lions tour. Photo: Photosport / Peter Bush Collection

But despite the All Blacks’ historic dominance, the tour is revered beyond much else. A Lions series is considered the ultimate by players and coaches, in some ways more so than a World Cup.

It’s reflected in ticket prices - between $149 and $449 for All Blacks games. An article in The Guardian suggested it might be “price gouging”. Yet more than 20,000 British and Irish fans are expected to make the trip.

Read Max Towle's piece on The Wireless.