In 13 series over 129 years, the 1971 New Zealand team bears the distinct dishonour of being the only one to lose a Test series to the Lions.
But despite the All Blacks’ historic dominance, the tour is revered beyond much else. A Lions series is considered the ultimate by players and coaches, in some ways more so than a World Cup.
It’s reflected in ticket prices - between $149 and $449 for All Blacks games. An article in The Guardian suggested it might be “price gouging”. Yet more than 20,000 British and Irish fans are expected to make the trip.
Read Max Towle's piece on The Wireless.