British & Irish Lions great Willie John McBride has labelled Warren Gatland's one-off All Blacks test idea as "nonsense".
Gatland pitched a "deciding" test between the two sides to be played at Twickenham in 2021 in a match that could generate more than NZ$10million. The Lions and All Blacks tied their 2017 series in New Zealand, with one win each and a draw.
The current Lions coach wants the ideal tune-up test for the three-match series against the world champion Springboks and thinks the prospect of a home clash against New Zealand would benefit all parties.
Gatland would like to see the money spread around all five unions to offset the financial turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
But former Lions captain McBride, widely regarded as the best forward to have ever worn a Lions jersey, has slammed the concept.
The Irishman, who introduced the infamous '99' call during a 1974 series victory in South Africa, believes the match would be nothing more than a money-grabber and against the Lions tradition.
"It's completely alien to the ethos and history of the Lions," McBride told The Rugby Paper.
"For the Lions to play a home test match is nonsense.
"That's the problem with the world of professional sport at the moment - it's about money, not about sport.
"Therefore, this [Lions v All Blacks] is going to be played for money. It would be meaningless.
"If they're going to have a Lions tour, then have a proper Lions tour."
McBride was also scathing of World Rugby and hoped former Argentine great Agustin Pichot overthrew current chairman Sir Bill Beaumont at next month's election.
The 79-year-old believes the game of rugby is in deep trouble under current leadership.
"The ethos of the game has been damaged so much. It used to be run by rugby people, now it's run by supposed financial wizards."
