Woodward dips into bag and comes up recognising form

This week's lucky dip produced four backline changes for the Lions and the first chance in the series for fullback Geordan Murphy and wing Mark Cueto.

The pack which fronted at Wellington has been retained, but the backs have been shuffled, with wings Jason Robinson and Shane Williams dropped, and Gavin Henson and Jonny Wilkinson injured.

Josh Lewsey moves from fullback to one wing, while Stephen Jones and Will Greenwood have become the latest midfield pairing.

There might have been other challengers, but Gordon D'Arcy joined a lengthy casualty list with his official ailment listed as "general fatigue".

It is a description which could apply to much of the tourists' rugby.

Eight players were unavailable through injury - Charlie Hodgson, Wilkinson, Simon Shaw, Ben Kay, Ollie Smith, Henson, Andy Sheridan and D'Arcy - and the tour has ended without a single Scot getting a test.

There was a little injury respite yesterday, with prop Gethin Jenkins cleared to play after rolling both ankles in the second test.

Captain Gareth Thomas did not train, but was cleared to play after suffering from flu earlier in the week.

He will play at centre in the No 12 jersey because of Greenwood's superstitious liking for No 13.

Cueto joins loose forwards Simon Easterby and Ryan Jones as players who have made the test series after missing selection in the original bloated tour party.

One player who must wonder at the vagaries of this tour, considering the changes on the wing in every test, must be Irish speedster Shane Horgan.

He has made only one start on tour, against Taranaki, yet has been on the test bench in Christchurch and now Auckland.

Horgan was mentioned yesterday by coach Sir Clive Woodward in the unlucky department, but he also suggested Murphy and Cueto had superb tours.

Cueto was sharp against Auckland, but Murphy was mediocre and showed nothing of the skill he displayed earlier on tour.

At 2-0 down in the series, Woodward added, it was right to reward some of the players who had shown some form.

Of course, he would have done well to have used that selection principle before he went in with his pre-determined combination for the opening test.

Woodward remained chirpy yesterday, still suggesting the 48-18 scoreline did not reflect the closeness of the second test. His squad was up for a last hurrah and the pack was rested.

The late All Black changes would not alter the magnitude of the challenge. Player resources in this country were immense and touring New Zealand remained the toughest assignment of all.

Woodward said motivation hadn't been a problem this week, despite the injuries and the fact the series was lost.

"There wasn't much to do this week. It was a case of getting everyone well rested and making the right calls after Tuesday's game," Woodward said.

"We're very disappointed about the first two tests and it's just a massive opportunity for everyone.

"You don't get many chances to play New Zealand and we've put out the strongest team we can."