Lions watch: Crusaders v British and Irish Lions

Owen Farrell is starting a first five for the British and Irish Lions tonight against the Crusaders. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

What is it?

Many are calling it the "unofficial fourth test".

The British and Irish Lions' third tour match sees them face a second Super Rugby side in succession after a 22-16 defeat to the Blues at Eden Park on Wednesday.

Only this time the climb is higher in terms of Everest comparisons.

With 14 wins from 14 fixtures so far, Scott Robertson's Crusaders top this season's Super Rugby table. They boast eight All Blacks in their starting side and another on the bench, making them a daunting prospect.

What time is kick off?

Kick-off is at 7:35pm at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. It is predicted to be seven degrees but with a dry track that will ensure the Crusaders have plenty of opportunity to throw the ball about and keep the Lions on the back foot.

Canterbury fans have been starved of international rugby for far too long. The atmosphere will be buzzing tonight.

How do I follow the game?

If you don't have Sky, we've got you covered. Tune into Radio Sport for a live call from Nigel Yalden.

Better still, listen to Nigel and follow the New Zealand Herald's live blog on nzherald.co.nz.

The site will also carry immediate post-match reaction while tomorrow's Herald on Sunday newspaper will have full coverage of what went down.

What is the latest team news?

Both teams report no problems today.

The Crusaders have kept faith with the vast majority of the regulars that have excelled this season, although they will be without injured All Blacks Ryan Crotty, Scott Barrett and Kieran Read.

Still, their tight five are all part of Steve Hansen's 33-man squad for the Test series and there are a host of exciting youngsters across the backline.

Crusaders
15. Israel Dagg, 14. Seta Tamanivalu, 13. Jack Goodhue, 12. David Havili, 11. George Bridge, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 9. Bryan Hall; 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Sam Whitelock (captain), 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Jordan Taufua.

Replacements: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Michael Alaalatoa, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Jed Brown, 21. Mitchell Drummond, 22. Mitchell Hunt, 23. Tim Bateman.

Alun Wyn Jones captains the Lions after it emerged that tour skipper Sam Warburton has suffered a fresh injury setback in the form of what Warren Gatland called a "slight ankle strain".

A host of Lions make their first starts of the tour, including half-backs Conor Murray and Owen Farrell. Elsewhere, Wales duo Jonathan Davies and George North, Test starters in 2013, also get a run.

Lions
15. Stuart Hogg, 14. George North, 13. Jonathan Davies, 12. Ben Te'o, 11. Liam Williams, 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Conor Murray; 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Jamie George, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 5. George Kruis, 6. Peter O'Mahony, 7. Sean O'Brien, 8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16. Ken Owens, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Maro Itoje, 20. CJ Stander, 21. Rhys Webb, 22. Jonathan Sexton, 23. Anthony Watson.

What are the key player duels?

There's a truckload of them but the two that could most influence the outcome are the showdowns at No. 7 and No. 10. During the week, Crusaders assistant coach and former All Black Leon MacDonald compared young Richie Mo'unga to the great Dan Carter.

Mo'unga's duel with experienced Lions and England first five Owen Farrell will be critical to the match outcome.

So also will be the clash of open side flankers where Matt Todd pits his wares against abrasive Irishman Sean O'Brien.

Nigel Yalden rates O'Brien in the same class as Richie McCaw which is quite the wrap.