British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has taken a sarcastic swipe at critics who prematurely wrote off his team's chances on their tour of New Zealand.
And Wales powerhouse wing North insists the Lions players must shoulder that responsibility as Gatland's men start to shape their Test match approach.
And things were taken a step further when Hansen said he didn't think the Lions knew what they were doing.
MacDonald says they have overcome similar methods from Super Rugby rivals this season, one reason why they boast a ideal 14-win record.
"We see the next four matches as a way to measure where we're going".
The Lions side who will be tasked with restoring confidence against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Lions' game had more intensity than in earlier tour matches and the kicking out of hand improved, but they were again let down by basic handling errors and decision-making.
The 25-year-old will form part of a potent line-up that hints at Gatland's selection for the fast-approaching first Test, at Auckland's Eden Park on June 24.
Hansen has repeatedly predicted the Lions will employ a forward-based game and their first three tour games have done little to sway that thought.
"I think it's going to be a good contest, but you would expect an worldwide team to beat a franchise team, particularly one that is made up of the four home nations, with their pick of the best players", Hansen said.
Both sides had chances to score tries in the second half, with the Lions fluffing two clear opportunities, but neither could cross the line as a fourth Farrell penalty gave Warren Gatland's side a much-needed win.
Europe's central bank is done cutting rates
The ECB left all of its main interest rates as well as its quantitative easing programme unchanged on Thursday as expected . While few expect that to happen, the words underline that the bank is not yet willing to call time on the stimulus program.
"We know they've got X-factor players".
The hosts have no intention of sitting back either and in the starting 15 are eight current and former All Blacks, with another current one on the bench.
Since losing that game to the Blues yesterday, Gatland was keen to stress the positives.
"You have games in quick succession and having to ride that rollercoaster of emotion every few days is a massive task".
"I think the way we are now is probably better".
Milner-Skudder and McKenzie, however, have been named in a strong Maori All Blacks squad to face the Lions in Rotorua on June 17.
Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien will make his first appearance of the tour against the Crusaders - and his first appearance of any kind since suffering calf damage on April 1.
Injuries: The Lions lost of their backs inside the first 30 minutes as full-back Stuart Hogg was caught in the face by Conor Murray's raised arms as the Scot chased his own kick through traffic, while centre Jon Davies did not return from a Head Injury Assessment.
"I don't think they do", he said when asked if he had a growing understanding of the Lions' aims.
"I'm not going to be banking on Sam being injured or not, I'm going to try to play my game and hopefully that's good enough to be selected".





Comments