British and Irish Lions lock Maro Itoje is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the best when he starts against the All Blacks.
The Lions must beat the All Blacks in the second Test in Wellington on Saturday if they are to keep their series hopes alive after losing the first Test 30-15. After being a surprise ommision from the starting line-up for the opening Test defeat, Itoje will start on Saturday alongside Alun-Wyn Jones in the second row.
And Itoje says the Lions are ready for the challenge that awaits.
"The emphasis is always on winning and about getting the result that we're trying to achieve," Itoje told Sky Sports.
"To do that everyone has to know their job, everyone has to know their detail, everyone has to be a part of the team and pull their weight.
"I'm very excited. On a personal note it's a great opportunity and great platform to be on to show people what I'm about up against the top team in the world.
"The cliched phrase is, if you want to be the best you have to beat the best, and this is the opportunity we have and I'm fortunate to be part of the team that has the chance to do that.
"I cant wait to get out there."
Besides Itoje's inclusion, British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has made two other changes to his starting line-up. Tour captain Sam Warburton replaces captain of the first Test Peter O'Mahony, who drops out of the matchday 23 altogether. And Jonny Sexton will start at fly-half with Owen Farrell moving to inside centre and Ben Te'o dropping to the bench.
Itoje knows what it feels like to be left out and has sympathy for those who have been axed this weekend but says the team is the most important thing.
"As somebody told me on this tour, nothing is neutral. You're either making a positive impact on the team or you're taking away from the team, so you don't want to be the latter," Itoje added.
"Obviously I was disappointed when they announced the team and my name wasn't there as a starter last week.
"I was upset, unhappy, I was all of those things when I wasn't announced, but the thing about being in a team environment and being part of a squad is that you have to play your role, and there's always going to be people who are missing out.
"That's the same at every level of rugby you go to. From club up to international and to here. It's always been the same and I think what you have to do is respond appropriately.
"You can obviously have your moment to yourself where you're frustrated and upset that you're not in the mix, but the most important thing is how you respond and how you make people feel.
"At the end of the day, the most important thing is the team."
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