Fitzpatrick believes the Lions have the ability to nullify the All Blacks

And the ex-Test hooker also warned the Lions had the potential to nullify New Zealand in all three Tests.

Fitzpatrick wrote in the Herald on Sunday newspaper: "We are all in danger of getting a bit too carried away with the All Blacks's chances.

"I think New Zealanders are getting a bit too confident."

The All Blacks are 1-3 favourites to win the Test series, while the Lions have failed to impress many of their critics on the tour to date.

But Fitzpatrick, who led New Zealand in the 1993 series win over the Lions, said: "I think (Lions coach) Clive Woodward has been doing exactly what he said he'd do. He's been making sure that his players all get an opportunity to press for test spots.

"If that has drawn criticism because of the effect on his team's play and rhythm, it has nevertheless enabled Woodward to keep his cards close to his chest and build towards the test match.

"That's the beauty of it for touring teams, they are able to ask the question of their players on a regular basis. Our guys don't get the question asked until Saturday."

The Lions have lost only one of their five tour games - against the New Zealand Maori - but have failed to dominate the majority of their games.

But Fitzpatrick pointed to positives in the Lions game plan.

"They have potential to frustrate and nullify the All Blacks," he said. "They are good defensively and Wellington showed that the Lions are most likely to play a tight, squeezing, forward game, kicking for territory and kicking the goals, controlling the game that way.