British & Irish Lions coach Andy Robinson believes Monday’s game against Argentina provided a taste of what to expect against Bay of Plenty on June 4.
The Lions opened their 2005 campaign with a 25-25 draw against an under-strength Pumas side at the Millennium Stadium, but Robinson is only taking positives from the disjointed performance as he looks ahead to the first warm-up game on New Zealand soil.
"That game highlighted what this tour is about," he said.
"It was the first game and every game we will face similar challenges. Every player wants to play in a real tough environment and be put under pressure and that is what we will have in this Bay of Plenty game.
"Bay of Plenty have got the first chance to have a go at the Lions and they will throw everything at it – as coaches and players we have had that before and we know we are capable of building a side that can perform under pressure.
"We have taken positives from the game. The linebreaks and the lineout went really well but obviously it highlighted there is quite a bit of work to do at the contact area and the scrum and the general rigours of how we want to play.
"But overall I was pretty positive with it."
The Lions announce their side to face Bay of Plenty on Wednesday and while it will almost certainly be led by Brian O’Driscoll, it is unlikely to include Simon Taylor.
The Scotland loose forward is still recovering from a hamstring strain and while he is officially available for selection, Robinson indicated he will not be risked.
Malcolm O’Kelly, who was also withdrawn from the Argentina game with an abdominal muscle strain, is expected to be fit for selection.
"At present I don’t think Simon will be ready, but Malcolm I think will be," Robinson said.
