Ahead of another busy weekend of international matches, it's clear which game stands out as the 2017 British & Irish Lions series starts.
Other fixtures taking place include Fiji facing Scotland, Australia taking on Italy, Japan hosting Ireland and South Africa tackling France.
More games are also on the schedule with previews found here.
New Zealand v British & Irish Lions
Are the All Blacks ruffled ahead of the Eden Park opener? The Lions have done incredibly well to shut down several of their New Zealand opposition on this tour and if they can repeat those defensive heroics there is a real possibility we have a tight series on our hands.
The weather could play a factor with rain forecast until Saturday afternoon local time and how both sides handle a slippery ball could be crucial in who comes out on top. However, one feels the Lions will like these conditions as it lends itself to being a less open contest.
Up front we feel they have the edge as Tadgh Furlong and Mako Vunipola's reputation continues to grow while behind them the physicality that Sean O'Brien will bring cannot be underestimated. The back-row battle with Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Kieran Read could be pivotal.
The Lions have the game to stay with the All Blacks and it's no coincidence Maro Itoje is on the bench as he offers a greater impact than other options. Remember how he and CJ Stander shone against the Crusaders? Warren Gatland will hope Itoje and Sam Warburton do likewise.
But we just feel there is too much quality in New Zealand's side to come up short, with Beauden Barrett in sparkling form at fly-half and watch out for one of their own replacements, TJ Perenara, to have an impact in the second-half. New Zealand to win the first Test by 10.
Internationals
There is a new air of optimism in South Africa after their recent performance against France. Yes, les Bleus' players are at the end of a long season for club and country but it's hard not to be impressed with how the Springboks have played at a high tempo in recent weekends.
Despite the Boks having yet to beat France at Ellis Park after les Bleus were victorious in the four previous matches at the iconic venue in 1958, 1967, 1993 and 2001, we can't see anything other than a home victory this Saturday, with South Africa's Lions on their home soil.
Expect the likes of Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Andries Coetzee, Warren Whiteley and Malcolm Marx to star. South Africa to win by 7.
Other predictions:
Fiji v Scotland: Scotland by 15
Australia v Italy: Australia by 15
Japan vs Ireland: Ireland by 25
Romania vs Brazil: Romania by 20
Canada vs USA: Canada by 3
Argentina vs Georgia: Argentina by 15
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