In fact, I echo the sentiments of former All Black hooker Norm Hewitt that Gatland was, again, guilty of showing a bit too much in the midweek 34-6 mauling of the Chiefs.
His men have bullied oppositions into frustrating fumbles and faithless fisticuffs. Their rush defence, overwhelming dominance in territory and possession, ominous rolling mauls, gaining possession in ambushing ball carriers before holding them up, as well as three astute kickers to convert points on any lapses in discipline all add up to a pretty sound platform.
The Lions have dismantled scrums and stopped the Crusaders and Chiefs from crossing the tryline although the Maori scored a lucky-dip try as well.
That is not to say the tourists will beat the world champion All Blacks but the bookies will certainly slash the odds of a one-sided victory at Eden Park in showing incremental gains since arriving here.
First up, ABs coach Steve Hansen and his co-selectors deserve a collective tick for naming their best squad.
Try as I may to justify selection, not one player from the Maori or Chiefs team put their hand up for the ABs.
Why those Maori eligible for the Chiefs were not released to play on Tuesday night beats me although playing the card of missing 10 players is not an escape clause, considering the Highlanders were in a relatively similar position and won midweek in Dunedin.
If anything, by not fielding their best XV have franchises sidestepped an appraisal of how good a competition Super Rugby is?
The pre-match hype surrounding Stephen Donald slipping on the captain's armband was enough to suggest the Chiefs' best performance would have been the rousing haka, even if reserve hooker Hika Elliot assumed the mantle of prima donna.
It's time to put to bed any romantic notions pertaining to that kick from the "Beaver", which won the All Blacks the Rugby World Cup here in 2011. It's good film footage and best left in the archives of rugby's hall of fame.
Did the Chiefs have a game plan? If they did I couldn't see it and it became blatantly obvious even in the first half the Lions weren't going to let them execute it.
The razzle-dazzle in the dying minutes smacked of desperation and a state of cluelessness while their lineouts were non-existent.
Yes, I have an eye patch on when I say it but the Highlanders again reaffirmed that if fans want bang for their dollar they are the best Super Rugby franchise regardless of whether they will clinch their second crown when the season resumes.
If franchises can't field respectable lineups for whatever reasons then perhaps the New Zealand Rugby Union should have considered North Island and South Island teams to host matches in provincial venues to spread some big love.
The Lions' tour schedule looked ridiculous but Gatland has employed his muster of 41 + 6 with dexterity to slowly bring out the best in individuals.
Should the Lions do the unthinkable in any of the three tests, it'll be comforting to know the New Zealand public will give them a standing ovation.
That's because the tourists have injected a level of curiosity into international rugby where apathy prevailed on the blanket dominance of the All Blacks despite a loss to Ireland in the United States late last year.
Any bleatings of how the Lions are a four-nation composite side (the hastily assembled Maori ABs will verify the challenges they face) or they play boring rugger will simply be in poor taste.
So will be any finger-pointing at referees, their assistants and TMOs because it'll be a test of character for both teams to quickly adapt to their interpretations of the game.
Of course, Hansen and Gatland should be allowed to question inconsistencies in the way facets of play are interpreted but the onus must always be on their players to adjust.
Conversely the officials shouldn't turn a blind eye to shoulder charges and obstructions from players trying to shield their teammates going for high balls.
Without doubt, it's going to be a confrontation of the two hemisphere styles.
Will the likes of swashbuckling Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith and a muscle-bound Sonny Bill Williams penetrate the Lions' stifling defence?
Who will kick the most and, if it comes down to penalty kicks, will the ABs have enough sensible boots to match the Lions?
Those questions will be answered to a fair extent on Saturday night.
