The New Zealand management have played down the defensive conundrum they are facing as the test series against the Lions approaches.

While struggling to form a cohesive attack on tour, Warren Gatland's side have smothered the New Zealand sides defensively and stifled their attacking play.

The Lions even ended the 14 match winning streak of the Crusaders while keeping them down to three points.  

Speaking ahead of the first test this weekend, All Black Assistant Coach Ian Foster has suggested the World Champions will adapt to the northern hemisphere style.

Chiefs' Stephen Donald tackled by James Haskell and CJ Stander of the Lions. Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/Bruce Lim

"It's not like it's new," he said, adding: "There're a lot of teams defending like this in Super Rugby now. Quite frankly, we defend very quickly now so they've probably got the same issues – how do they attack against our line speed?

"It's not like it's one team's issue to try to unravel. The reason they do it is they think they can get an advantage from it and with every method there's always some areas you can attack through it. We've just got to make sure we're smart and patient as the game unfolds."

Both New Zealand and the Lions are due to name their teams for the first test on Wednesday.