Rugby: Halfback Perenara has 'Game Seven' feeling about Lions decider

TJ Perenara scores a try for All Blacks against Samoa. Photo/Photosport

All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara normally loves "big game' hype, but is doing his best to block out the noise, leading into tomorrow's series decider against the British & Irish Lions at Eden Park.

Selected to come off the bench in relief of starting half Aaron Smith, Perenara brings his own distinct qualities to a game, while maintaining verbal intensity from behind the scrum.

This morning, Perenara told Radio Sport Breakfast that he and his team-mates were painfully aware of what's at stake this weekend, but were trying to manage those external expectations in their preparation.

"I'm a massive sports fan," he said. "I love the hype of Game Seven NBA Finals and I love to talk about that.

"I love watching the pre-game, watching the build-up, but when you're in the fight or part of that game, I don't think it does any good.

"I know the importance of the game - I know what's on the line, win or lose - so worrying about those external factors does nothing for our game.

"The longer you play, the easier it becomes and acknowledging that it is a massive game straight away is the easiest way to treat it."

After reports of minor scuffles among team-mates in training, Perenara admitted there was an edge to the All Blacks camp this week.

"We try and treat each week as if it's the same as the last," he said. "But after a loss, everyone is a bit toey ... that's just a natural reaction.

"Every time you put the jersey on, that's how you assess yourself and where you are, so having that little edge is good for us."

Another Hurricanes player who will be busting to make an impression this weekend will be winger Julian Savea, a 53-test veteran who missed selection for the first two tests and gets his chance with rookie Rieko Ioane ill.

"I haven't really spoken to him, but I reckon he's pumped to get out there and prove a point," said brother Ardie Savea, who will again add impact from the bench among the loose forwards.

"When 'The Bus' has been out for a while, he surely comes back firing, so that will be pretty exciting."