The only team that can beat the All Blacks

The All Blacks lost one test last year. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The only team that will beat the All Blacks is themselves, says former star No. 8 Zinzan Brooke.

"That's not being disrespectful to all the other sides," English-based Brooke has told British media seeking his view on whether the Lions can topple the world champions.

"When you start winning, it becomes a habit. All of a sudden you start feeling that self-belief. Confidence is a massive part of winning games.

"This All Blacks side is very comfortable with what they are doing and the expansive way they play is brilliant.

"That's not coming from the old guys either. The young guys are in there doing that too."

Brooke, a 1987 World Cup winner, believes the only chance the Lions have to cause a series upset is to win the first test.

"They have to 100 per cent win the first test - do that and they've got a show," he predicted, telling the Daily Mail that motivation will plummet if they fail in their opening challenge.

"They lose the first game and they will go 'let's get back on the plane'.

"If they lose the second, I guarantee you there will be a lot of hamstrings being pulled and bad knees."