All Blacks captain Tuipulotu warns of Lions threat at Ellis Park

All Blacks captain Patrick Tuipulotu expects a fired-up Lions side when the teams meet at Ellis Park on Tuesday night, with two Springboks released to reinforce the Johannesburg team. The fixture follows Saturday’s first Test against South Africa, creating a quick change from the weekend international to a midweek game.

Tuipulotu said the Lions’ position in the middle of the United Rugby Championship standings did not lessen the danger they posed. They have already beaten several leading teams in the competition, and he expects them to approach the All Blacks with the ambition of securing another major scalp.

The Lions have been strengthened by the availability of fullback Quan Horn and prop Boan Venter. Tuipulotu also identified their athletic loose forwards, ability to keep the ball moving through quick passing and preference for attacking in wide areas as key threats. He added that their set-piece work would make the game a demanding examination.

The unusual schedule has given non-Test players an opportunity to make their case. Tuipulotu said the wider All Blacks group had used the available preparation time well and was in good condition before the match. Two players have travelled from New Zealand, while Saula Ma’u is set to make his debut.

A strong performance would also give members of the midweek side a chance to press for places in the Test squad. Tuipulotu said that ambition was present, but insisted the immediate priority was to perform against the Lions before thinking about selection consequences.

The captain led the All Blacks in their opening match against the Stormers and said the role carried both pride and pressure. He has been encouraged by the way the large squad has stayed together, with players watching, supporting and sharing preparation duties. Tuipulotu added that leading an All Blacks team was a significant responsibility and that he did not want to leave the field as captain of a losing side.