All Blacks test match

Ireland assistant Andy Farrell insists New Zealand will still be "top of the tree" even if Ireland beat the All Blacks in their Test showdown this week.

The All Blacks will retain the world number one ranking even if world number two Ireland win, though Hansen insists Sunday morning's winner should be viewed as top dog.

But Farrell believes the All Blacks are the best.

"This is a side that has been top of the tree for nine years, and let's be fair, it's been longer than that really," he said about New Zealand.

"There's only one team that is top of the tree.

Tonga Rugby Union Chief Executive Fe'ao Vunipola is one that will be backing the men in red.

RNZI reports his son Mako is starting at loosehead prop for the Lions.

The 26 year old Vunipola has anchored a powerful Lions pack and impressed in the early stages of the tour with his physical presence around the field.

He would almost certainly have been joined by his younger brother Billy in the test squad but the number eight had to withdraw from the tour because of a shoulder injury.