Warren Gatland wary of challenge from Super Rugby sides

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland is wary of the strength and talent possessed by the Super Rugby sides as they head to New Zealand for a 10-game gruelling tour.

Lions will be tested against Super Rugby sides Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Chiefs and Hurricanes before they take on All Blacks in a three-match Test series and Gatland, who experienced a 40-7 defeat when he was in charge of Wales last year against Chiefs knows the threat that lies ahead.

"They are obviously playing very well, there is some outstanding rugby being played by the New Zealand teams in the way that they are dominating the competition," he said.

"We know how difficult they will be as opposition

"A lot of those teams are going through transition in terms of the way they are defending.

"Teams are coming up particularly hard off the line, so we are just watching that pretty closely in terms of that transition at the moment.

"The way New Zealand sides have traditionally defended, there's a bit of a change in the way that they are doing that, but there is no doubt that they are playing some outstanding rugby and they are going to be tough prospects for us leading into the Test matches."

Gatland also played down the loss of Billy Vunipola, who pulled out of the tour due to a shoulder strain but is hopeful that they do not lose too many players to injuries during the Aviva Premiership and Pro 12 finals lined up next weekend.

"I don't think it will make too much difference to them," he added. "We are going to lose some players along the way, and they are in the same boat as well.

"They've got a few big games to play over the next few weekends before the Test series starts, and fingers crossed, we don't pick up any injuries in the finals (Aviva Premiership and Guinness PRO12) this weekend."