If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it.
That appears to be the message from All Blacks captain Kieran Read heading into the second test against the British and Irish Lions in Wellington tonight.
Much has been made of the changes the Lions have made to their team and the way they are going to play against the home team tonight.
But All Blacks skipper Kieran Read said his side was looking at itself rather than what the Lions were planning to do.
"It is rugby. You’ve just got to go out and play the game. You’ve got to bring as much passion and energy as they do. You hope to bring out as much as they do," he said.
"We want to play our game. Show our enterprise and energy. Our tackles and hits.
"We are not looking to change the way we play much. We have a game plan and that is how we practise. If the conditions play a part in that we may have to adapt."
Wet weather is forecast, so it may be trench warfare from both teams.
That usually leads to a massive forward battle and Read has plenty of confidence in his charges to perform.
Many Lions players have called it the biggest game of their careers and with so much on the line, Read was asked whether this game was comparable to the intensity of a World Cup final.
He said it was like any game where there is so much at stake.
"I suppose it compares in that it is a one-off game. If we win then we win the series. If they win then they’re still in the series. In some way it has been really built up. It is kind of special. It only comes round every 12 years. I know the guys are really excited about the challenge."
He doubted this would be the last Lions tour after there was much talk the combined side and its tours would be canned due to pressure from clubs and the tight playing programme.
"You only just have to look around the country over the last couple of weeks and the excitement that there has been. Just with all the fans; it’s been awesome. I’m sure it will continue."
He had total faith in referee Jerome Garces, saying he was a good official who had a good feel for the game.
With vice-captain Ben Smith back in Dunedin after a concussion last week, Read does not have a deputy to call on.
He said no-one had been formally appointed to the position, but he had plenty of trust in those around him.
The side had leaders right through the park who were expected to help the side, he said.