Justin Marshall: ABs test just an appetiser for huge showdown in Rotorua

All Blacks fullback Ben Smith in action against South Africa. Photo / Brett Phibbs

How often can it be said the All Blacks' first test of the season is an appetiser?

Their match against Samoa tonight is exactly that, with the main course coming 24 hours later in Rotorua.

But the big clash between the Lions and Maori All Blacks will of course have plenty of relevance to the All Blacks, with Steve Hansen and co sure to be watching both teams closely.

To start with the Lions, it has been a hell of a week since they tasted victory against the Crusaders. That success was short-lived after they found much more resilience than they would have expected from an under-strength Highlanders, which didn't get their preparations for the Maori match off to a great start.

The Lions again had to face scrutiny from the New Zealand and British media, who have been wondering what to make of this tour, but I believe they're working towards a common goal and common objective.

I don't agree with the supposed pressure Warren Gatland has been under. He's an astute coach who knows what he's doing. He's moulding and nurturing his team with eyes firmly fixed on trying to earn victory the first test at Eden Park.

The tourists quite categorically stated before they left London they would take the odd loss outside the tests if it means beating the All Blacks, and that target has been exemplified by the team they've named to play the Maori All Blacks. Is it their test team? Not quite, with the likes of the injured Owen Farrell and benched Sam Warburton still to potentially come in, but it's a quality side.

It's one the Crusaders found too tough and I believe the Lions will be even better than they were in Christchurch, making this a daunting but mouth-watering challenge for the Maori.

Coach Colin Cooper has named a typically strong side himself. There's no real area of unknown but there are two selections that are incredibly intriguing.

Whether or not those selections are directives from the All Blacks, to have Damian McKenzie starting at No10 and James Lowe at fullback is fascinating.

That pair are two of the players who are still in the wider picture for the All Blacks, considering there is still so much rugby to come on a pretty busy international calendar.

Charlie Ngatai must also be in the frame, given the All Blacks are trying out a new midfield and Ngatai has shown glimpses of form in his return from concussion, while Rieko Ioane and Tawera Kerr-Barlow are already on the fringes of the test team.

And I was also pleased to see Liam Messam selected at No8 for the Maori All Blacks. If the injuries to Kieran Read and Liam Squire were to persist, Messam is a player who certainly wouldn't let his country down, and I don't think he's anywhere near past his best.

Starting this weekend, the All Blacks and the Lions are finally on an even keel. We haven't seen everything the Lions have got - I'm 100 per cent sure of that - and from now on it's tit-for-tat. How much do the All Black show tonight? Because now the Lions are watching.

It's fitting the America's Cup finals are about to begin, because the Lions tour is also building towards the big crescendo, where all the technology and all the hidden, behind-the-scenes work is going to be exposed. Then it's game on.