Defence key for success against All Blacks - Andy Farrell

British and Irish Lions assistant coach Andy Farrell insists defence will be key to success against a rampaging All Blacks during their upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Lions will face a gruelling schedule of 10 games in the next two months where they will face Steve Hansen's men on three Tests and will also lock horns with various Super Rugby sides, Maori All Blacks and New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.

Farrell, who played a key role in Ireland's historic victory over New Zealand in Chicago last year believes preventing All Blacks from scoring will be crucial aspect to Lions' success.

"We all know the strike-rate of the All Blacks as far as their attacking game is concerned," he said, as the Lions concluded their second pre-tour training camp in County Kildare.

"Their try-scoring record is fantastic. I think last year it was double the team in second place for tries scored, which says a lot about their type of game.

"Their percentage conversion rate is fantastic, so we know defence is going to be a massive part of our game if we are going to have a chance in the series."

The Lions training squad has seen an increase from 14 to 30 this week and Farrell is pleased with the preparations made ahead of the tour opening clash against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on 3rd June.

"We expected a few less numbers than what we've had," Farrell added.

"We have been able to create more advancement with our plan, going forward. To get a few more half-backs in and organisation stuff with the ball in hand has been great for us.

"The intensity was there, as you would expect, and the competition was there, as you would expect.

"When you get the calibre of player that we've had come in, and everyone is trying to show how much homework they've done with the new systems, then you see people come to the forefront and the leadership coming out in people.

"What tends to happen in this type of environment, because of the class of player you are working with, they tend to get it very quickly.

"We've got a few ideas and combinations in our head already (for next week).

"We would be a fool not to use the bulk of the players who have been training over the past couple of weeks because they have got a head start, but that's not to say that one or two of the other guys can't sneak their way in there.

"What's great about this environment is there is no time to think about anything else other than the task in hand.

"We are dealing with the best of the best.

"We have still got a few guys missing, and a few things to fit in. You have got to get the basics right first of all, then build throughout the tour.

"We've had 30 players in this week, and the intensity has been at a different level. The quality has been exceptional so far, and that only helps with our preparation.

"This morning's session, we tried to disorientate the players a little bit, put them in pressure situations, difficult scenarios, and they handled it very calmly under extreme pressure. The quality has been outstanding."