Warren Gatland has insisted that captain Sam Warburton remains under pressure to force his way into the British and Irish Lions' first Test line-up.
Tour skipper Warburton is fit but has been left out of the Lions' 23 for Tuesday's Chiefs clash in Hamilton, raising hopes for the Wales flanker to squeeze into the Test squad after ankle trouble.
But head coach Gatland has again reiterated his huge admiration for the back-row unit of Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien and Taulupe Faletau, that helped the Lions "squeeze the life" out of the Maori in Saturday's 32-10 triumph.
Warburton continues to chase full match sharpness, and could well take a seat on the bench for Saturday's first All Blacks Test in Auckland.
"There's no doubt that there's some pressure on certain players and certain combinations have gone well," said Gatland, when quizzed on Warburton's situation.
"A lot of those guys who played against the Crusaders did exceptionally well, and last night's performance against the Maori, we dominated territory and possession, and we squeezed the life out them, an unbelievably talented backline that just went nowhere.
"For Sam, look, we were hoping he was going to be part of the 23 against the Crusaders. Unfortunately he rolled his ankle a little bit so hadn't recovered in time.
"So he had time against the Highlanders and we were able to give him time last night. So there will be some tough debates and discussions to have on the final make-up of what the back-row is going to be for Saturday."
Meanwhile, Gatland claimed he was "always confident" Owen Farrell would be fit for the first Test, despite the England fly-half still battling a thigh issue.
Leigh Halfpenny is set to start at fullback against the All Blacks, but must get through head-injury protocols having picked up a knock in the Maori win.