Wallaby coach picks win for Lions

Eddie Jones. File picture

SYDNEY - Sir Clive Woodward's first test selection has not met universal approval - but Wallaby coach Eddie Jones likes what he sees.

Woodward and Jones share a long history of mutual antagonism but the Australian believes the Lions are capable of springing an upset in Christchurch tonight.

Jones has questioned the 10-point favouritism the All Blacks hold with Australian bookmakers.

He is tipping a three-point win to the Lions - the margin of a Jonny Wilkinson penalty goal. Jones believes his old sparring partner has some surprises in store, as well as the right forward expertise, steel in defence, a versatile kicking game and captain Brian O'Driscoll's elusive running.

"The Lions have been bluffing in New Zealand and my mate Clive definitely has tricks up his sleeve," Jones said.

"He's selected well. He's got a right-foot kicker at first-five [Stephen Jones] and a left-foot kicker at second-five [Wilkinson]. The Lions will maul the ball a lot, back their forwards and kick for field position.

"What Clive has kept secret are his moves for when they do get in the 30-metre zone at the All Blacks' end of the field."

Jones expects O'Driscoll to be the main ball carrier. "Going to the left or right-hand side, they could have O'Driscoll, Jason Robinson and Josh Lewsey running at defenders, and that's three really potent runners,"

The pundits' predictions

Chris Hewett (Independent): All Blacks to win narrowly because Sir Clive has missed a trick with his conservative back row selection.

Peter Jackson (Daily Mail): All Blacks by 3-6 points. They will be superior at the breakdown.

David Hands ( Times): New Zealand, shakily, because of the Canterbury factor. Carter to kick the winning goal.

Robert Kitson ( Guardian): The Lions, because Sod's Law will apply and it is a one-off game.

Mick Cleary (Daily Telegraph): New Zealand because they have more pace.

Gerry Thornley (Irish Times): All Blacks. They have a bit more match-winning individual flair.

David Leggat (Herald): The All Blacks by about 10 points because of their superior speed and athleticism.

Wynne Gray (Herald): Skill levels, athletic combinations and pace, point to an All Black result.

- NZPA