THE British and Irish Lions’ selections for tomorrow’s first Test against New Zealand are a “stroke of genius”, according to Worcester Warriors chief Gary Gold.

And the Sixways boss believes Warren Gatland made the right decision to pick scrum-half Conor Murray, fly-half Owen Farrell and Worcester centre Ben Te’o in the 9-10-12 axis.

Gold, a former South Africa assistant coach, says the Lions have stepped up to the plate after a shaky start to the tour.

But Gold reckons the All Blacks’ home advantage at Auckland’s Eden Park will prove a deciding factor in a tight opening Test.

“After the loss against the Highlanders it looked like this tour was going to be a disaster, but there clearly has been a methodology behind the scenes, and their set piece and defence has been immense,” said Gold.

“The combinations they used in the wins against the New Zealand Maori and Chiefs were quite astute and, from a game-plan point of view, it’s clear they’ve gone with more of a kicking approach.

“Those two scores were not muppet scores – it took a considerable performance, and a tactically good effort, to hold a proper New Zealand Maori team to 10 points.

“I think Gatland’s selections for the first Test are a stroke of genius.

“Leaving out skipper Sam Warburton must have been a big call, but he’s undercooked and out of form.

“The All Blacks should perhaps have followed suit instead of rushing Kieran Read back in to captain the side.

“For the Lions, with Warburton out, I understand the need for experience, and that’s probably why they’ve gone with Alun Wyn Jones.

“But I expect Maro Itoje to come on at the 50-minute mark with an important job to do.”

Warriors’ centre Te’o, who was born in Auckland, has been the Lions’ stand-out performer in the back division.

He lines up with Jonathan Davies in the centres.

“I also agree with the call to pick Murray, Farrell and Te’o in the 9-10-12 axis,” said Gold.

“Te’o has been the Lions’ best gain-line weapon and every game he’s played in they’ve won.

“And I think the Lions will have the advantage at outside centre where Davies lines up opposite Ryan Crotty, who is much more comfortable at No 12.

“Up front, the All Blacks will fear the Lions set piece – their lineout drive and scrum and I think that’s going to consume Steve Hansen’s time in the build-up.

“Having made headlines with his criticism of Gatland, Hansen may now have a little bit of mud on his face because he doesn’t really know what kind of game the tourists are going to play.

“Are Murray and Farrell going to kick tactically? The Lions have had good return from their box kicks, more so than from any of their other tactical kicks.

“Taking the venue into account, and the fact that the hosts will get better as the series goes on, this first Test is everything for the Lions if they’re going to have any chance of winning the series.”

Gold believes adapting to referee Jaco Peyper will be critically important for the Lions.

“He will favour a dominant scrum and I’d say he probably leans more towards the way the Lions are likely to play,” said Gold.

“With the homeground advantage of Eden Park, my analytical brain is saying it’ll be the All Blacks, but not by much.

“This first Test is going to be a wonderful chess match.

“There will be physical parity, and I think it’ll come down to which team is most tactically astute, and makes the least errors at critical moments in the game.”