PODCAST: Kiwi journalist paints ominous picture of the challenge facing the Lions

The Lions' chances in New Zealand, how are the Kiwis looking, Rhys Ruddock's captaincy credentials and Tadgh McElroy's omission from the Ireland U20s.

On The Hard Yards this week; Kevin McLaughlin, Andy McGeady and Gregor Paul of the New Zealand Herald. New Zealand's most prominent rugby journalist, Paul spells out exactly why the All Blacks are hot favourites to win the Series and he identifies two men as key to the hosts' style of play. Half-backs Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith are central to everything Steve Hansen's side do and, according to Paul, are better than anyone else at doing it. "[Barrett] is a phenomenon. He is already World Player of theYear at 24/25. He was sensationally good last year and has moved on in the first few months of this year. He is a particularly special talent, who is combined with Aaron Smith, who is, again, an unusual talent because he has a rare ability to play a wide, fast game.

"He is a particularly special talent, who is combined with Aaron Smith, who is, again, an unusual talent because he has a rare ability to play a wide, fast game," explained Paul. "They allow the All Blacks to play at an incredible pace," he added. "They are almost impossible to pin down. That is where they are a wee bit different from the '05 team."

Here's what the boys cover on the rest of the podcast. 1:23 - The daunting schedule ahead of the British & Irish Lions 3:19 - Gregor Paul from the NZ Herald on the view from New Zealand 6:22 - Are the current NZ side better than the 2005 side that beat the Lions? 8:50 - What needs to happen for the Lions to win this series? 13:17 - Are the franchises and the All Blacks in this together, do they want to send the Lions home with nothing? 17:00 - How is Warren Gatland's style of play rated in New Zealand? 19:00 - A prediction for the Lions opening game with Provincial Barbarians this weekend 21:10 - The boys talk about ROG's first few days with the Irish squad in Carton House 23:15 - The reason Joe Schmidt appointed Rhys Ruddock as Ireland captain for the summer tests 25:00 - The guys discuss the hype around Scarlets style of rugby 27:45 - Would Kev have liked to play the way the current Scarlets team play? 32:00 - The Leinster players that had the licence to take risks in open play during Joe Schmidt's time in charge 35:00 - The difference between playing league rugby and knockout cup rugby 36:20 - Did the IRFU handle the Tadgh McElroy situation properly? 37:30 - A chat about Gareth Steenson, Ian Whitten and Tadhg Beirne's success with Exeter and Scarlets 41:34 - Hayley O'Connor from Ladbrokes gives us a comprehensive betting guide for the Lions tour