Ivan van Rooyen backing Lions to rise to the occasion against the All Blacks

As with the warm-up matches involving the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, the Lions are in the midst of their preparations for the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship and are still a few weeks away from being fully match fit and ready.

The Johannesburg-based side has selected close to a full-strength side for their clash against New Zealand but Van Rooyen conceded they are still a bit short on conditioning ahead of the match.

"We haven't had too much collision, but we're really excited to not just play against the All Blacks but to test ourselves, test our systems, test ourselves individually," he said.

"I would be really nervous if the URC had to start next week, but for this occasion, we were willing to bite the bullet a little bit.

"To be involved in the game is obviously a privilege. Where we are as a group, we're excited. We feel there's some momentum being built compared to two seasons ago.

"It's such a wonderful occasion, such a privilege to be in this game, that obviously we had to adapt a little bit, and we're happy to adapt."

The All Blacks surprised the Springboks in the first Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour, switching up the strategy they used against the franchise teams in the warm-up games, and Van Rooyen believes they will revert to the original plan at Ellis Park on Tuesday.

"I think in review of the Test, they painted a specific picture in the first three games, and they changed the picture quite considerably against the Boks," he said.

"My gut tells me it's going to be similar to what the Bulls, the Sharks, and the Stormers have faced. I think the identity, how they want to play in terms of tempo. I think their breakdown work is absolutely world-class.

"Tempo, physicality, that's how they want to play. The team that they've picked is really physical with a lot of experience.

"So for us, physicality, tempo, and decision-making will obviously be under pressure, but again, it's such a good occasion for us that we're excited about it."

READ MORE: Stormers eye surprise loan move for veteran Springbok Faf de Klerk