But despite those results, the first Lions Test at the redeveloped ground now known as Jade Stadium still has plenty to live up to - the tourists may have won at its predecessor only once, but they played a full part in some classic internationals there.

Lancaster Park was also the scene of some of the Lions' most infamous encounters - principally the wars they fought there against Canterbury in 1966 and '71.

Yet the Christchurch Tests have been as memorable for their drama and moments of sublime skill than for their physical intensity.

The All Blacks and Lions first met there in 1930 , with the hosts still smarting from the surprise defeat they had suffered in the series opener in Dunedin.

The tourists had won the first Test by just three points and the same margin of victory applied in the second, but this time for the hosts.

The Lions - not for the last time - could consider themselves unlucky losers, having played more than half the game with 14 men after losing influential scrum-half Paul Murray to a dislocated shoulder.

Elusive stand-off Roger Spong and electric centre Carl Aarvold kept the tourists in it - the latter scoring two superb tries - but found themselves pipped 13-10 at the end, the difference proving a goal kicked from a mark by veteran All Black Mark Nicholls.

Two decades on, the next Lions to visit New Zealand arrived at Christchurch in a similar position, and departed in similar mood.

Having shocked the All Blacks by drawing the first Test 9-9, the tourists this time lost outstanding flanker Bill McKay early in the second half, concussed and having suffered a broken nose.

At that point, New Zealand led only by an unconverted Pat Crowley try, but in McKay's absence they were able to take hold of the forward battle and score again to win 8-0.

The outstanding Lions backline of 1959 found itself bottled up in the third Test at Lancaster Park and had little more than a slashing David Hewitt try to celebrate in a 22-8 defeat, the only time in the series either side were comprehensive victors.

Seven years later, the tourists were left cursing their own shortcomings rather than their luck. Although they lost 19-6 en route to a 4-0 series whitewash, Christchurch saw the best of a visiting side containing such talents as Mike Gibson , David Watkins, Alun Pask and Willie John McBride.

With Gibson slicing through the All Blacks' midfield, the Lions scored two outstanding first-half tries - but, crucially, fluffed four further opportunities to make the game safe.

When the wind later left the tourists' sails, New Zealand took their chances to score three unanswered tries and cruise to victory.

Even the great 1971 Lions came unstuck at Christchurch as their hosts levelled the series at 1-1 with a 22-12 victory crowned by the long-range Ian Kirkpatrick try still rated as the best scored by a New Zealand forward.

In 1977 , the tables were turned as it was the fired-up Lions who won in Christchurch to level the series, inspired by an awesome performance from the pack turned into a 13-9 victory by JJ Williams ' wizardry and Phil Bennett 's boot.

Normal service resumed six years later as the 1983 Lions were left ruing the one that got away in the opening Test, in which they led 9-6 at half-time but were undone after the break by a Mark Shaw try and a 45-metre drop goal scored by Allan Hewson to make the final score 16-12 as the tourists searched for a winner in the dying seconds.

The Lions' final memory of Lancaster Park was also arguably their most bitter.

In 1993 , the tourists lost 20-18 to a last-minute Grant Fox penalty after captain Gavin Hastings had kicked all his side's points to equal their Test scoring record. But they were left seething by two refereeing decisions that proved crucial.

Australia 's Brian Kinsey had begun the match by awarding New Zealand a second-minute try when Ieuan Evans and Frank Bunce crashed to earth wrestling for possession of Fox's high kick.

And he finished it by awarding the penalty Fox goaled for victory, despite the incredulous looks of the Lions when he blew the whistle with the ball emerging on the tourists' side of the ruck.

Seven years later, Lancaster Park officials decided it was time for a change at the famous old ground. On their first visit to the new-look Jade Stadium, the Lions will whole-heartedly agree.