Lions up for final test, says Ryan

Steve Thompson has a virus and misses the match. File picture

The Lions insist they are still motivated for tonight's final match of the series against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

The team will raise its credibility with a win but a loss means the post mortem might be a drawn out affair.

Number 8 Ryan Jones said there was no lack of motivation to avoid a whitewash because of the scarcity of Lions tours.

He said it would be four years before anyone gets the chance to wear a Lions jersey again.

Referee Jonathan Kaplan says his focus is on policing the difference in interpretation between the hemispheres. He says with different rugby cultures, the middle line can be hard to work out.

Kick-off is at 7.10pm New Zealand time.

Meanwhile, the Lions suffered further disruption before today's third rugby test, with hooker Steve Thompson ruled out due to a viral illness.

Ireland's Shane Byrne, who was dropped to the reserves after the first test loss to the All Blacks, will now start in the No 2 jersey.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB