Te’o relishes Lions start against New Zealand

Warriors centre Ben Te’o is relishing the British & Irish Lions’ first Test with New Zealand on Saturday at Eden Park (kick-off 8.35am). 

The powerful back has been named in the starting line-up for Warren Gatland’s side following three impressive displays against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, the Crusaders and the Maori All Blacks, where he ended up on the winning side every time. 

And the Warriors man is “fully aware” of the threat that awaits his side this weekend. 

He said: “Once I got on the plane I realised that every opportunity I got I had to try and seize and that every game was a trial match.

“I've just tried to play my best rugby. That is what I have been doing and I am happy that I have done enough that the coaches have showed some faith in me to play me.

“But it is only the beginning now. The real test is coming on Saturday and I am fully aware of what is coming.

“I understand the record, their standing in the game at the moment and just where the All Blacks are at in terms of their rugby.

“I understand it is going to be tough and we will have to be at our best compared to them.”

Te’o, who switched codes from Rugby League in 2014, has had quite the journey in Rugby Union, after picking up eight caps for England in the past year. 

And he insists his latest achievement in making the Lions starting line-up was a proud moment. 

He said: “It feels great. I have come on a journey through Rugby Union and I am very humbled and proud to be named in this team alongside so many world-class players.

“From when selections were made I was not thinking that I would be in and it came as quite a shock.”

Te’o will line up against Sonny Bill Williams on Saturday in a mouthwatering midfield match-up. 

And the Warriors back insists he will keep on learning in every match he plays. 

He continued: “I would say I am close (to my peak) but there is still a lot to learn. A lot of the things you learn now are through games. 

“Yes you can pick some things up from watching some vision but most things and situations you find you have to go through it on the field.

“And every time you step up in bigger games you keep learning little things. I will learn a lot on Saturday and if I get another opportunity I will learn again so I am quite anxious and ready to face it.”

Auckland-born Te’o will have family at Saturday's game but admits they know who to support in Saturday’s big clash.

He added: “I grew up just up the road and played a bit of rugby here in this QBE stadium so I know it well but left here at 17 and have gone on a long journey.

“I am here now with the Lions. I would not say it is anything different.

“I have got some family here. They are looking forward to the game, they are kitted out in the Lions gear and they know who to support!”
 


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