On their last visit in 2005, with a squad brim-full of English World Cup winners and coached by Clive Woodward, they were hammered 3-0.
One could easily argue there were at least two better candidates than Warren Gatland for the coveted Lions coaching role. They've been well coached by Vern (Cotter) who's done an exceptional job. And Eddie Jones matched the All Blacks' 18 test unbeaten run with England.
"We all know what happens on British and Irish Lions tour and we know what this period now with the big games coming up, what that sometimes throws up".
"He's got a nerve issue and he had a setback a couple of weeks ago", said Gatland.
"Ben was delighted - as was everyone - but he then asked who would be on the next Lions squad".
"The prognosis with him is a lot more positive than was first diagnosed in terms of it's an unusual injury with a capsule thing, or something, but the prognosis and the recovery is hopefully a lot better than what was potentially first suspected".
Wales flanker Sam Warburton was confirmed as captain for the second successive time after leading the Lions to a 2-1 win in Australia four years ago.
Ironically, it may fall to a New Zealand born player to contain Barrett in the midfield or as the last line of defence from fullback.
"There's competition for places and there will be players fighting for Test spots with no clear number one, number two or number three in certain positions".
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"It's a completely different beast". But there is no doubt the All Blacks home record is a huge factor in this three test series and Gatland does not have glowing credentials for being the man to break that drought.
The British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand was revealed this week and following the announcement, former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick has changed his tune on how he rates the tourists' chances this summer.
Hansen did say that it would have been an extremely hard squad to select, with the 57-year-old acknowledging the great depth in the talent pool that has developed among the four home nations, noting that while he would have selected England captain Dylan Hartley, they are still very strong in vital positions such as hooker and first-five.
"If he wanted to have some exciting new players, Finn Russell would've been right up there, but he's gone for the tried and tested".
I talked myself out of it all the time, which is why the phone call (from Gatland) was surprising.
"Here's hoping I can get a bit of game time and show what I've got and I'll be doing all I can to make that happen".
"If you are happy when you turn up for training every Monday, if you keep morale up, you are more likely to get more out of the boys on the field". In the past New Zealanders have prided ourselves on that and been humble about the success of the rugby team.
"I think the fact that me and Tommy are going is down to our team mates, whether that's at Glasgow or Scotland".
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