The All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions head to Eden Park with a test win each and it all goes on the line in the city of sails.
The exact scenario was played out in 1993 when the All Blacks had won the first test in Christchurch and the Lions replied with a win in Wellington. The All Blacks then triumphed in Auckland, winning the decider 30-13.
Playing halfback in Auckland that day for the All Blacks was Jon Preston, who these days is the Highlanders skills and high performance coach.
He said it was a very tense week.
``I remember that first test we were probably lucky to win. We didn't play that well. Then they beat us quite well in that second test. So first and foremost with the third test coming round was you wanted to be picked,'' Preston said.
``It was a nervous week. I remember that very well. We were on edge. But you had your routines and you kept yourself composed.''
The side was in camp the entire series and had built up some good combinations over that period.
``I think the biggest thing that drove us was the disappointment we'd experienced from the second test. We had not played as well as we had needed to.
``Mentally, that made a big difference and the coaches and the senior leaders in the team knew that as well. Everyone came out firing.''
The game came down to the top two inches and mentally the All Blacks would be in a good space.
Over the past few years they had perhaps not needed to play at their best to win but that was needed this Saturday, he said.
In 1993, Preston started at halfback and Lee Stensness came into the midfield in that final test to replace Eroni Clarke.
Preston scored a try in the third test, cutting down the blindside to score in the second half.
He said Lions series were great for the game as it brought out the best in players.
Lock Ian Jones started the third test in 1993 although he was forced off with a calf injury late in the second half.
Jones said there was an immense amount of pressure on the side in 1993 to win that final test but coach Laurie Mains transformed and relaxed the All Black camp.
``He reminded you of why you were playing. He just got guys to relax and express themselves,'' Jones said.
``Laurie was just aware we were a bit tight, a bit nervous and wanted to get rid of that.''
Jones said he was confident the All Blacks would come out fighting in Auckland on Saturday night and had played well last Saturday, losing to the Lions in the final minutes.
``It was a hell of a performance from a team which only had 14 men ... I'm really looking forward to it.''
