We gave NZ too much respect, says O'Brien

Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien says the British and Irish Lions must change their attitude ahead of Saturday's second Test against New Zealand.

The Lions lost the first Test in Auckland 30-15, with head coach Warren Gatland unhappy that the All Blacks were able to impose their physicality on the tourists.

And O'Brien admits that the Lions showed the world champions too much respect, and urged for a change of mindset ahead of the second Test at the Westpac Stadium.

"It's attitude - we sat off and gave them too much respect," O'Brien said.

"They won [the physical] side of the game, there's no point in saying anything different, so that was obviously a big area for us where we let ourselves down.

"We drew a line in the sand during the week and spoke about the way we'd do things this week. It's about actions now."  

Saracens lock Maro Itoje and captain Sam Warburton come into the starting XV at the Cake Tin, as Gatland looks to add power to his forward line.

"You have to make the tough calls," Gatland said.

"We saw Maro's impact in the first Test and he will bring an edge and a physicality, as will Sam Warburton in terms of pressure on the ball."

New Zealand have made two changes for the second Test, with Waisake Naholo coming in on the wing and Anton Lienert-Brown at outside centre.

They replace the injured  Ben Smith [concussion] and Ryan Crotty [hamstring].

Image: Getty Images/David Rogers

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