Scotty Stevenson behind the mic for Lions rugby match

Scotty "Sumo" Stevenson is part of the SKY Sport commentary team for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017. Photo/Getty Images

Charismatic commentator Scotty "Sumo" Stevenson will be part of the broadcast team for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

Stevenson, a Bream Bay College alumni, will call the Lions' fixture against the Crusaders as part of SKY Sport's coverage. He said it was an honour to be part of the tour.

"It is a thrill to call any game but, yes, having the chance to call the British and Irish Lions against the Crusaders is certainly a privilege," he said.

"It is going to be a fabulous experience to be in the middle of the action throughout the series and working with some great people on the broadcast of the series."

While he would have loved to have commentated on the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians clash tomorrow at Toll Stadium, he's relishing the Super Rugby match he will be broadcasting.

"That would have been a wonderful opportunity but I will be in Christchurch for the Crusaders-Highlanders clash, which I am looking forward to just as much," he said.

"I love the southern classic, and was lucky to call the first match between those two sides this year, which was eventually won by the Crusaders thanks to a frankly remarkable comeback in the second half."

Growing up in the North, Stevenson managed to get along to games played at Okara Park which he remembers with a lot of fondness.

"I do remember the thrill of watching the big international fixtures with both my father and grandfather. They were great crowds, with great banter, and always a guy playing The Last Post on a trumpet while Tane the Taniwha sprayed the goalposts.

"Is there a better or bigger embankment in rugby? I don't think so."

SKY Sport are the official broadcaster of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017, with its coverage spans 10 games, nine teams and 800 minutes of live rugby action across six weeks.

Stevenson is looking forward to the clash but knows it will be a tall task for the Lions to knock off the All Blacks.

"The Lions are a great chance in New Zealand, but history is most definitely on the side of the All Blacks," he said.

"Warren Gatland's biggest fear is that his side won't be fit enough to keep a pace with the New Zealand style. But they some wonderfully dynamic forwards - Maro Itoje immediately springs to mind - and a backline that, if they get opportunities, can spring a surprise or two on the defensive set ups of the New Zealand teams.

"The Lions are certainly capable of a test victory but it is so tough considering they play twice at Eden Park, where we know the All Blacks have remained undefeated since 1994.

"If they are to take a win, Wellington may be the best opportunity. That said, we all know what happened there in 2005 ..."