New Zealand flanker Jerome Kaino believes Sam Warburton would bring an added intensity to the British and Irish Lions' side, should he start in Saturday's second Test at Wellington.
Warren Gatland’s side will be aiming to draw the series level at the Westpac Stadium, following last week’s 30-15 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Warburton came off the bench during the opening Test, but 79-times capped Kaino believes the Cardiff Blues back row would bring valuable leadership and breakdown abilities into the side for the crunch clash.
“Sam is a great leader,” said Kaino.
“I don't think they lose anything having Sam in there.
“We are expecting a huge lift of intensity at the breakdown if they bring Sam in. If anything, they get stronger having him there.
“I know for a fact down the road, their (Lions') team meetings and training will have a lot of edge and a lot of emotion.
“I don't think it is smart for us to sit back and expect it to happen.
“We need to make sure we turn the screws a lot more in our training and expect a backlash from the Lions at the weekend.”