BRENDAN GALLAGHER sets the scene for next week’s Test opener with a tour through the ages

Experience shows us there is nothing quite like the first Test of a Lions series in New Zealand, with the initial locking of horns between the great historical rivals producing some of the best and most explosive Test action in history.
It’s the rarity value that sets it apart. Since the Lions last played New Zealand there have been three World Cup finals. On the field of play next Saturday there will not be one player to add a thread of continuity from 12 years ago although remarkably on t...