Faumuina is on a mission to beat the Lions with both club and country

Sport360 staff 21:17 06/06/2017
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  • Charlie Faumuina of the Blues.

    Charlie Faumuina has warned the British & Irish Lions that the All Blacks are an even meaner animal courtesy of their shock defeat to Ireland in Chicago.

    New Zealand prop Faumuina will face the Lions in Blues colours in Auckland today, some 17 days out from the first Test.

    The Lions are scrambling to build their attacking identity, but will doubtless base elements of their vision on Ireland’s stunning 40-29 triumph over the All Blacks at Soldier Field in November.

    Faumuina admitted their first-ever loss to Ireland had handed Steve Hansen’s squad a wake-up call, however, and a reminder that even back-to-back world champions are not the finished article.

    “There were probably things we took for granted, and they got shown up in that game,” said Faumuina. “So we’ve learned from that, we’ve sharpened up.

    “As an All Black you never want to lose any game, but if it happens the vital thing is to move on quickly, take the learnings and then go and improve again.

    “I think they can take confidence from Ireland’s win but this is a different team. I can’t really see it having too much impact for them.”

    All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams has been passed fit after knee trouble and will provide a stern challenge for centres Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne in Wednesday’s Eden Park showdown.

    The Blues will perform a pre-match haka for the first time, with the special He Toa Takitini, The Strength of Many, devised specifically for the occasion.

    “We have an exceptional group of men who are proud of their Pacific cultures and are looking forward to connecting their heritages through a haka,” said Blues head coach and former All Black Tana Umaga. “We have been practising for some time and the boys will be looking forward to getting out there for what will be a fantastic occasion.”

    Lions (15-9, 1-8): L Halfpenny; J Nowell, J Payne, R Henshaw, E Daly; D Biggar, R Webb; J McGrath, K Owens (c), D Cole; M Itoje, C Lawes; J Haskell, J Tipuric, CJ Stander.

    Blues (15-9, 1-8): M Collins; M Duffie, G Moala, SB Williams/TJ Faiane, R Ioane; S Perofeta, A Pulu; O Tu’ungafasi, J Parsons (c), C Faumuina; G Cowley-Tuioti, S Scrafton; A Ioane, B Gibson, S Luatua.

    Venue: Eden Park
    Referee: Pascal Gauzere (FRA)
    Kick-off: 11:35
    Live today on OSN Sports 4 HD

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