Stuff rugby writers Mark Reason, Marc Hinton and Liam Napier dissect what to expect in the first Lions test.
It's here, at last, and as well as a clash of styles, and hemispheres, in the first test between the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions on Saturday night, some mighty head-to-heads are in prospect.
Here are five key match-ups for Eden Park that are worth keeping a close eye on:
Beauden Barrett v Owen Farrell
It's no stretch to say this could be the head to head that tilts the balance of the test. Barrett is the world's best rugby player and the time to show why is on the biggest stage. They don't get any grander than Eden Park on Saturday night in the first test of this seismic series.
Does All Blacks star Beauden Barrett have something up his sleeve for the Lions?
Barrett shapes as the pivotal figure in how effectively the All Blacks deal with that excellent Lions line-speed on defence. They get up fast, make those early tackles and build pressure through knocking teams over behind their advantage line. So far Kiwi teams have generally struggled with it.
But Barrett has the tools in his box to counter that in-your-face tactic. He must probe at the weak points in behind with his boot, test those inside channels with his own step and go, or through Sonny Bill Williams outside, and when it's on he can push for width, either via the kick, or through hand.
Farrell is a less explosive runner than the Kiwi, but is an excellent kicker (out of hand, and at goal), has a good temperament and will be charged with ensuring the Lions play their game in the right parts of the field. It's advantage Barrett in general play, but Farrell will convert anything within range and does have the ability to take the line on.
Advantage: Barrett
Sonny Bill Williams v Ben Te'o
Two NZ-born backline heavyweights, and former leaguies, who have the ability to change a game with their power. Their match-up should be more sledgehammer than subtlety, though that's possibly doing a disservice to Williams whose offloading could be a key element of the All Black attack.
Williams loves the big occasion and has thirsted for this chance to prove himself a world-class No 12 after spending the last two World Cups in the shadow of the great Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith. Now he gets his chance. As always, his army of critics will be watching closely.
SBW's decision-making and ability to find holes in those close-in channels will be vital for the All Blacks as they counter the rush defence. But if he turns ball over, these Lions have the ability to punish his transgressions.
The in-form Te'o will be the Lions' power man in midfield, but it's on defence where he will be mostly challenged with Barrett and Williams looking to test him out. He is light on experience (he doesn't start for England) and his ability to handle the pressure-cooker will be put to the test.
Advantage: Williams
Aaron Smith v Conor Murray
Possibly the two best halfbacks in the world (though TJ Perenara's fans would have him in that conversation), the No 9s will shape how this match plays out.
Murray is a key tactical kicker for the Lions, and very good at it. He's also a big, strong halfback who will look to exert himself physically on his smaller opposite. The Munster man also knows what it takes to defeat the mighty All Blacks, and will not lack for belief on that front.
Smith's role will be more about clearing quickly and accurately (a forte of his game) and giving Barrett that extra metre of space whenever possible. But after his indiscretions last year, and his dramatic loss of form in the aftermath, this is an important test for the little Highlanders No 9.
The All Blacks need him at his best.
Advantage: Murray
Kieran Read v Taulupe Falatau
In the normal course of events you would give the edge to the All Blacks skipper who, at his best, is as good a No 8 who laces 'em up these days.
But Read hasn't played a game of rugby since April 30, and has only made three appearances in total in 2017. He has a notorious motor, but even he might find this task challenging.
Falatau is an excellent all-round No 8 with size, strength and deceptive foot-speed. Who can forget his chase-down tackle in the first game against the Baabaas? You know what you'll get from this bloke and it will be rugged and uncompromising.
But we have to take the All Blacks on trust here. They say Read is primed for this, and will go the full 80, if need be. They say he's ready to deliver for his team. He will most likely need to.
Advantage: Read
Joe Moody v Tadhg Furlong
Here's one for the diehards. The scrum battle between All Black loosie Joe Moody and powerhouse Lions tighthead Tadhg (pronounced Taig, I am reliably informed) Furlong shapes as a cracker.
Furlong has been outstanding for the tourists and has established himself as a cornerstone of their impressive scrum. But there's more to his game than that. The Leinster prop plays with unrestrained fury and doesn't mind a carry or two either.
But Moody will be up for this one, after being bested by the Irishman in their last match-up when the Lions rolled the Crusaders 12-3 earlier this tour. The All Blacks scrum doesn't often get a tune-up, but they will have to be on song to match this powerful eight of Warren Gatland's.
Moody is a strong man. So is Furlong. A clash very much worth watching.
Advantage: Furlong
Lions tour: Rugby Round Table and key match-ups for first All Blacks v Lions test
