Former Ireland captain Keith Wood was regarded as the best hooker in the world when he played the game.

Former British and Irish Lions hooker Keith Wood believes the Lions can beat the All Blacks in the 2017 series in New Zealand.

The All Blacks became the first team ever to defend the Webb Ellis Cup, and win the competition three times, when they beat Australia 34-17 in last Sunday's Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham.

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Irishman Wood was the first winner of the IRB (now World Rugby) world player of the year in 2001 and he toured twice with the Lions - playing in the first two tests they won in South Africa in 1997 to clinch the series and in all three tests as the Lions lost 2-1 to Australia in 2001.

He described the All Blacks as "the world's best" but he said they can be beaten by the Lions, as the tourists chase their first series win in New Zealand since 1971.

For the first time in World Cup history, four southern hemisphere nations contested the semifinals as the All Blacks, South Africa, Argentina and Australia all made the last four - an embarrassment for northern hemisphere rugby - but Wood believes things will be different in two years.

"New Zealand were phenomenal during the World Cup, there was an element of joy about their play and they seemed liberated at having won four years ago," Wood told Britain's Press Association.

"By 2017 there will be a change in the All Blacks' personnel and also to some of the attitudes in the northern hemisphere.

"What came out of this World Cup was the need to play different styles according to what's required in a game and the Lions will have to use an element of that to get what is the most precious of prizes: a series win in New Zealand.

"The All Blacks are the world's best and have been so consistently for a long, long time, yet they are beaten at times."

Kiwi coach Warren Gatland guided the Lions to victory in Australia in 2013 - their first series win since South Africa in 1997 - and he's favourite to retain the post but another Kiwi, Ireland boss Joe Schmidt, is also in contention.

"It's too early to say who will get the job, there's a lot of rugby to be played yet," said Wood. "We'll be able to tell a lot from the next Six Nations. Warren is in the box seat and Joe will be there or thereabouts."

Steve Hansen revealed he is likely to step down as All Blacks head coach after the Lions tour - meaning their visit in 2017 is certainly in his thoughts.





