Lions Tour 2017: Warren Gatland claims Kiwi media's 'targeted campaign'

Conor Murray was also excellent in his first start of the tour, with Johnny Sexton - on after half an hour for the injured Jonathan Davies - assured and steady.

Will Warren Gatland regret his captaincy choice? Here, though, the Lions shredded that air of invincibility in a statement performance and win that speaks volumes about the tourists' character.

If Jordie makes his debut against the Lions, they will also become just the fourth set of three brothers to play for New Zealand.

The Lions side who will be tasked with restoring confidence against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

The 31-year-old needs to play all three matches in the Lions series to reach the 100-Test mark.

Warren Gatland's tourists features 15 changes from the one surprisingly beaten 22-16 by the Auckland Blues on Wednesday.

Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock was disappointed his side did not show the sort of free-flowing attacking rugby for which they are well known.

"It's not good on the sidelines watching", said Davies, who missed the Lions' first two games after his late arrival followed the Scarlets' stunning Guinness PRO12 title success.

Hansen called it one of the "toughest" squads he has had to select as he assembled a line-up with 1 164 Test caps worth of experience to face Samoa and then the Lions.

Owen Farrell kicked all the points as the Lions wasted several try-scoring opportunities but impressed in defence and won the aerial battle to hand the Southern Hemisphere's leading club their first loss of the season.

The TMO ruled a drive to the line "inconclusive" as to whether a try had been scored.

George North may not have been prolific for Saints during the season just gone - but there is no doubt he has the ability to make a big splash for the Lions this summer.

Fuck I don't know why I have to fucking keep defending myself.

Stuart Hogg lasted just 20 minutes after running face-first into Murray's elbow when chasing his own high ball, departing with a bloody nose and no little wounded pride. The centre needed a moment of treatment, before being ordered from the field for a Head Injury Assessment short of the half hour mark.

That paired Sexton at fly-half and Farrell at 12, and the pair looked immediately comfortable in harness. But he was left bemused by the touch judges keeping their flags down despite the ball appearing to go over the post. Making breaks is not troubling the Lions, it is finishing these chances which evades them.

Graham Rowntree, the Lions' scrum guru, spoke in glowing terms of the Crusaders pack's strength, but he will be delighted with their performance.

Liam Williams' knock-on cost Anthony Watson a try, the Bath flyer stepping home in style only to see the score chalked off. CJ Stander and Maro Itoje were outstanding.