John Drake: Testing time as the AB stars drop out

With the test series already won, we could assume the All Blacks will relax a bit and look to the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup.

This would be a mistake and looking at the selections for the third test it seems Graham Henry and his fellow selectors are determined to keep the pressure on both the Lions and themselves.

The selection panel has shown consistency in policy while not being afraid to drop non-performers and clearly state the reasons why.

They had wanted to retain the same pack but injuries have forced their hand and how Rodney So'oialo performs at No 7 could be crucial to the outcome.

Sione Lauaki showed enough during Super 12 to leap the likes of Jerome Kaino in the selectors' eyes.

To me he resembles a wrecking ball with his ability to slam holes in defensive lines. He has the physical presence to dominate periods during a match, and what the selectors will be wanting is accuracy, work rate and at least 60 minutes worth. Lauaki has special qualities and the Lions may be in for a bit of a fright if this guy fires.

The changes in the backline were forced with injuries to Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter and the late loss of Leon Macdonald, who was picked on his experience in the squad and knowledge of the calls and moves.

Nick Evans has made the 22 as both Carlos Spencer and Andrew Mehrtens have eliminated themselves from a call-up by heading overseas.

Luke McAlister gets on the park for his goalkicking and ability shown in the Super 12 and New Zealand Maori teams, although this has been more at No 12 than No 10.

This is a huge challenge for the young man but no doubt he will be targeted by the Lions as a potential weakness.

By placing Tana Umaga at second five-eighth, the selectors have moved his experience closer to McAlister should it be required, and retained the Wellington/Hurricanes combination with Conrad Smith at centre.

This combination - particularly Smith - run straight lines and should give the back three good opportunities and space to express their skills.

Byron Kelleher wins the tussle for the halfback spot for his ability to clear the ball but there must have been little in his selection ahead of Justin Marshall, except maybe that he will be around for the Tri-Nations and beyond.

A S FOR the Lions, by introducing Will Greenwood at centre there's a hint that in combination with Gareth Thomas, they may try and bust through around Smith.

They've retained the same pack, who at least had a bit about them last Saturday night and finally they've picked a wing, Mark Cueto, who's in form - instead of Jason Robinson, who is not.

Mentally it was easy for the All Blacks to get up for the second test, thanks to the superb motivation from the Lions spin machine. Whether they can maintain this level in week three of the series could be Henry and Co's biggest test.

After last week, some were already talking about the All Blacks as 2007 World Cup favourites and some even had the engraving marked in on the Webb Ellis Cup.

Will we ever learn? In recent times - actually back to about 1991 - our beloved All Blacks have not been able to string together consistent wins against tough opposition. We have not even been able to control Bledisloe Cup encounters consistently.

So, 2005 with the Lions through to the United Kingdom tour at the end of the year, this is an ideal opportunity for the selectors to test themselves and the players as to whether they have what is required to play consistently well against the top teams.

For this reason, tomorrow's test may be the most difficult of the series. As a rugby nation we are great when we are up against the wall and the chips are down.

Yet if we are honest, when we line up as as favourites and are full of confidence, we consistently blow matches we should win.

The Lions will not lie down and have gradually improved with selection and pattern.

Form, class and skill says the All Blacks will win but the late changes have taken out the stars of last week's demolition.

We like to think we have depth in our rugby. We may find out more about this tomorrow night.

There's an old saying that it won't be the new guys who let you down.

If the senior pros can maintain the standard it will be okay. If not, we'll be back to where we were before the series started.