Lions Tour: Matich, Goodhue relish incredible week

When playing the British and Irish Lions on your home ground is the second coolest thing that happens to you in a week, it's been a belter.

That was the reality for New Zealand Provincial Barbarians and Northland loose forward Matt Matich who welcomed a new baby to the world three days before the biggest match of his life.

Making sure he was prepared was a test in itself for Matich.

"It was definitely niggly. I had to manage being there when Josefina birthed Mia. It was a 13 hour labour, 24 hours from the first contraction," he said.

"I had to get her out of the hospital one day while we had training so we had a bit of help from the family. We got her home on Friday and she was really helpful letting me be away for the night so I could focus on the game."

Playing in front of a 19,591 strong crowd had a special feel about it for Matich.

"I was sitting on the bench when they pointed for those kicks at goal and the crowd was really getting into them. Had a little bit of a chuckle about that," he said.

"Even during the warm ups there were hundreds calling my name which was cool. Also I got a massive cheer when I came on which felt really amazing.

"It's been a massive week both on and off the field and I'll have some amazing memories to share later in life."

Matich came on early in the second spell and made an immediate impact with strong defence.

He said his attempts at carrying the ball didn't go quite to plan.

"I think I had a few carries and I don't know if any of them made the gain line. I caught a juggle ball when they kicked it down into the corner and got absolutely manhandled by Jones and Faletau," he said.

"I think that may have broken my rib, I've popped cartilage for sure. I just got smoked. The Lions were definitely a big step up. But it was absolutely worth it, it was awesome."

Barbarians lock Josh Goodhue meanwhile got through an industrious 80 minutes in the 13-7 loss.

The idea of playing in front of a sell-out home crowd was a big thing for Goodhue during the week.

"It was an unreal experience just running out and seeing Toll Stadium packed out was a dream come true. Playing against the Lions was the opportunity of a lifetime," he said.

"The noise was deafening. A couple of lineout calls went astray but that's all part of it. We tried to account for that but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The Northland crowd were right into it, I loved it.

"It's why I play the game, doing it in front of my family. Just to have them there was great. I was watching Jack (Josh's twin brother) play for the Crusaders before we played so it's an unreal time of my life. I'm loving it."