The Lions, like D’Arcy, did not enjoy their best night in the Millennium Stadium and he sees Saturday’s game as a chance for the side to put all that right.

“It’s very, very important we get a win and that it is not a win we grasp at the end. We need to stamp a bit of the Lions rugby on New Zealand,” D’Arcy said.

“We have all said we are going to respect New Zealand but I think this squad is big enough, strong enough and has enough depth that we can stamp our brand of rugby on it.

“To be involved in any game, you have to be ready to fill the jersey when you are called upon.

“One of the things that was stressed from the word go is that everyone will be getting a start in the first three games.

“I got my start in the Argentina game and obviously things didn’t go perfectly but we didn’t lose. The fact I am on the bench this week means I will get straight back into the action this week.”

Clive Woodward has opted to partner Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll in the centre with Wales’ Gavin Henson in what is perceived to be the likely first-choice Test pairing.

Competition for the inside centre Test berth is fierce, with D’Arcy, Henson, Tom Shanklin and Ollie Smith all in the squad.

All offer Woodward different options in the midfield and D’Arcy feels the final Test selection will come down to the style of rugby that Woodward believes will be most effective against the All Blacks.

“I am very familiar with Brian and I know the way I can play off him and vice versa. But Brian has almost reached a level that he can change his game around anyone who slots in there, so that will not necessarily work in my favour,” said D’Arcy.

“The 12 spot will probably depend on how they are going to play the actual Test matches.

"Everyone has got the different things they bring to the table.

“Gavin is a very strong kicker of the ball, Will Greenwood creates space for other people. Tom Shanklin is there and I have played with Brian.

“There is good variety there and when we get a couple of matches out of the way they will have a clearer idea of what they want.”

D’Arcy is determined to soak up every moment of his Lions tour, just in case it proves to be his last.

“It is everything I dreamed of,” the 25-year-old said. “You look back at other tours, at the Living with the Lions video, and you think how amazing it would be to be there.

“Now I actually am here. I am not going to let anything pass me by. My goal for a word go was to come with an open book and soak up as much as I can.

“It’s an amazing experience and it may never come round again. There are guys here on their third tour and guys here on their one and only tour.

“I am going to enjoy every second but make sure I work hard.”