SEAN Maitland has urged the British and Irish Lions to join rugby’s immortals by inflicting a defeat on the All Blacks that will send New Zealand into mourning.
Warren Gatland’s men have defied all expectations to take the series to a decider and victory at Eden Park tomorrow would bring a triumphant conclusion to the most challenging tour undertaken in the professional era.
New Zealand-born Scotland wing Maitland, who travelled to Australia with the elite of British and Irish rugby in 2013, insists a Lions victory would have significant repercussions for both sides.
“If the Lions can do it ... everyone is using the word ‘immortals’ and immortals are exactly what they’ll be,” Maitland said.
“I’m from New Zealand and everyone has been talking about this tour since 2005 — that’s how much rugby and the Lions means to the country.
“If the All Blacks lose there will be a backlash from the public, 100 per cent. Rugby there is like football here — it’s massive and part of the culture.
“Here you see people playing five-a-side football, back home it’s five-on-five touch.”
Maitland is convinced the Lions can prevail and believe New Zealand’s injury-hit threequarter line could be a weakness to be exploited.
“New Zealand’s back line is obviously quality but they’re young and the experience isn’t there. Ben Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty are massive losses.
“There will be extra pressure on the All Blacks after they lost the second Test and I’m sure they’ll turn up.”
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