Kieran Read insists the British & Irish Lions' future is not in doubt -- no matter the result in the Test series with New Zealand.
The Lions' very future came under scrutiny in 2005 when Sir Clive Woodward's men were whitewashed 3-0 on the last trip to New Zealand.
Sir Ian McGeechan and Warren Gatland have rebuilt the famed touring side's reputation and standing ever since, but rugby's congested global calendar has continued to threaten the Lions' place in the world game.
The Lions are continuing to push for extra preparation time in the final weeks leading up to future tours amid tensions over the global schedule to follow the 2019 World Cup.
Back-to-back world champions New Zealand eased past head coach Gatland's men 30-15 in the first Test and could wrap up the series with a game to spare with victory at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday -- but Read still believes the 2017 Lions will not be the last to tour New Zealand.
Asked if a tough series for the Lions could jeopardise their future, Read replied: "I don't think that will happen. It's just been so exciting being around the country the last couple of weeks.
"It's been awesome, the Lions are so passionate about the game and I'm sure it will continue."
Tour captain Sam Warburton will start in the back row for Saturday's second Test, replacing Peter O'Mahony, who led the Lions in their Eden Park defeat last weekend.
O'Mahony has dropped out of the match day 23 entirely, with Gatland pairing natural opensides Warburton and Sean O'Brien in a bid to add extra bite at the breakdown.
No. 8 Read remains unfazed by the Lions' switch, however, insisting Steve Hansen's All Blacks will still bid to bully Gatland's men in the collisions -- to negate any extra threat over the ball from the tourists.
"It won't mean too much of a change for us," said Read, of Warburton and O'Brien linking up in the same Lions back row.
"They're definitely going to target the breakdown more this week than last.
"But if we can dominate some ball carries then hopefully it nullifies what they've got.
"If we're sitting back and waiting, and trying to expect what the Lions will bring, we'll be dominated.
"So we've got to play our game and show how much it means to us as All Blacks.
"You're not just going to roll out the same game plan you did in the first game.
"If anything it's going to be even more physical than last week and we can't wait for that battle.
"We've got to expect that. And we've got to be good enough to pick out what the changes are.
"We won't change how we're going to play, but we will look to subtly operate things.
"We've got a game plan that we think is right for what the Lions will play, but if it changes on the field we'll adapt on the run."
Read will again call the All Blacks lineout, admitting New Zealand must sharpen up at the set-piece after several errors last week.
The Crusaders loose forward admitted he must be on his game to counter the Lions' new lineout boss Maro Itoje.
"I think we've got to target the lineout and the scrum as a forward pack," said Read.
"It was a tight battle last week and we weren't as accurate as we could have been.
"But it will come back to our attitude, I think, in that area.
"Maro is a quality player, so he will bring something different and we've got to be prepared for that."
Read also revealed the All Blacks are yet to settle on one definite vice-captain, with his usual deputy, fullback Ben Smith, sidelined through concussion.
"We've got a good bunch of men around me," said Read.
"I'm not too sure [who would take over as captain], if, say, I go off.
"Beaudie (fly-half Beauden Barrett) will step up and drive us around the field, and Aaron Smith pushes the backs too.
"And we've got leaders across the full forward pack.
"Israel Dagg has played more than 50 Tests, so we need to use his eyes at the back too.
"So I'll operate using guys how I can and how I see fit."