Six years after The British & Irish Lions created history with a famous first series win in New Zealand, captain John Dawes returned to the Land of the Long White Cloud with the aim of repeating history.
Now coach, Dawes and his 1977 team came up against an All Blacks side hell-bent on revenge, and so ensued a thrilling Test series.
The second Test epitomised everything a Lions clash is about; passion, desire, resilience and it culminated in a tense and nervy finish.
For the Lions, victory was crucial after a narrow first Test defeat and they arrived in Christchurch determined to set the record straight.
The Team
After a hard-fought 16-12 defeat to the All Blacks in the first Test three weeks prior, Dawes opted to make several changes to his side as they aimed to level the series in Christchurch.
Welsh winger Gareth Evans came in for Peter Squires in the only change amongst the backs, but Dawes rotated his forwards after a fierce Test in Wellington.
Ian Kirkpatrick and Billy Bush in action.
Fran Cotton replaced Phillip Orr at loose head prop, while there was a fresh second row as Bill Beaumont and Gordon Brown came in for Allan Martin and Moss Keane.
Derek Quinnell, father of future Lion Scott, also started as he replaced fellow Welshman Trefor Evans at flanker.
New Zealand 9-13 The British & Irish Lions
The heavy Lions pack that Dawes assembled was instructed to go out and dominate the set-piece – and on a windy, wet and muddy day, they delivered.
Bryan Williams kept the All Blacks in touch throughout the contest with three expertly-taken penalties, but the Lions remained on top as inspirational captain Phil Bennett kicked three of his own.
The decisive moment came from winger JJ Williams, who scored a fine try to win the game.
From an All Black line-out, the Lions pounced – immediately gaining possession and charging forwards with pace and power.
The New Zealand defence could not cope with their speed at the breakdown as they recycled the ball quickly and efficiently, and when Williams received his eyes lit up as he feigned to pass before cutting in and diving over the line.
