Tuipulotu highlights threats ‘rangy’ Lions could pose for All Blacks
SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks captain Patrick Tuipulotu believes his side could be in for a ‘challenging’ evening when they lock horns with the Lions at 10Bet Ellis Park on Tuesday.
The mid-week clash will be New Zealand’s final outing against a South African franchise team in the Greatest Rivalry series after beating the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
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The All Blacks also head into the clash on the back of a stunning 33-16 victory over the Springboks at the same venue in the opening Test of the series last Saturday, although a much-changed side has been selected to face the Lions.
Tuipulotu is among those who missed out on the first Test and has featured twice on tour, against the Stormers and Bulls.
The veteran lock will hope to lead his side to another victory but expects the Lions to pose some challenges for them.
“They were sort of middle of the table and didn’t go really well,” he said when asked about his knowledge of the Lions.
“But they can turn up on the day and really upset teams like they’ve done this season. They’ve toppled some big teams.
“We know they’ll come out firing, and we know two Springboks have been released for them. They certainly know how to play; they’ve got the skill set around catch-pass, they’re quite rangy.
“They have a loose forward trio that can play, run and pass. They are pretty explosive and have the intent to spin it out wide, so we’re in for a challenge.”
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Without underestimating the importance of the Lions match, Tuipulotu admitted that some players are using it to push their bid for a spot in the Test side ahead of Saturday.
“We need to also put our hands up and try and make the Test squad; there’s a lot on this game,” he added.
“It’s in the back of my mind [playing the second Test], but I’m certainly focused on the Lions, and if we play well in that game, we’ll put our hands up for Test spots.”
It will be Tuipulotu’s second time captaining the All Blacks on tour.
He was given the captain’s armband by Dave Rennie in the Stormers clash, which they won 38-21.
Tuipulotu said he embraces the pressure that comes with being the leader.
“It’s special; you only get one captain out there, and to be named and thought of to lead an All Blacks side is very humbling.
“But at the same time, I don’t want to be a captain that loses. There’s a lot of responsibility and pressure that comes with it.
“That’s part of the game, that’s part of All Blacks rugby, but I’m certainly looking forward to it.”
