Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton crucial to Lions' chances, says Stuart Barnes

By Stuart Barnes, Rugby Union Expert & Columnist

Image: Owen Farrell (right) will form a 10-12 partnership with Johnny Sexton in Saturday's second Test

Stuart Barnes says the British and Irish Lions' hopes of forcing a series decider rests on the game management of Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell.

Warren Gatland has opted for start the two playmakers for Saturday's must-win second Test in Wellington, with Ben Te'o dropping to the bench despite an impressive showing in last week's 30-15 defeat at Eden Park.

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Sexton and Farrell have played just 74 minutes together, including the final 23 during the first Test, and with wind and rain forecast for Wellington on Saturday, former Lions fly-half Barnes says they must pressurise the New Zealand back three.

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"That's the absolute key, decision-making from Sexton and Farrell," he said.

"I think what you're going to see is Sexton to the left, Farrell to the right - a two-tier game with different kicking to make it difficult for Israel Dagg and the All Blacks back three.

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"If the Lions are to win this game, they have to win not just a lot of possession but an awful lot of territory. And if they get territory they have to turn that into points.

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"Behind the scrum they keep saying it's just a matter of finishing. I don't think the skill levels are good enough in the backs to score too many tries. Can the forwards weigh in with some scores?

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"The Lions will be hoping that their press defence, the wind and rain will turn it into a very different story 12 years on."

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Stephen Ferris believes the Lions pack will stand up and be counted in Westpac Stadium, giving Sexton and Farrell the time and space to make the right decisions.

"They'll have a couple of set plays up their sleeve," said the former Ireland and Lions flanker. "They put the Kiwi lineout under pressure last week with five steals; they've got to keep putting the squeeze on.

"When they get to within five metres of the All Blacks line, they've got to try and regain possession, get into some multi-phase and get the big boys going forward, breaking the gain line. Hopefully then we'll see a few more tries."

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