Pride only prize on offer for Lions

ONE last stand. After ten months of high octane rugby encompassing Magners League, Guinness Premiership, Heineken Cup, Challenge Cup, Autumn Internationals and the Six Nations those who have survived to this point with willing hearts and minds must summon their reserves of pride and energy for one last effort.

With the hero of the tour Brian O’Driscoll, and tight head prop sensation Adam Jones back home after their midweek departure, those left with the responsibility of representing the Lions today must do so inspired with the task of carrying the mantle of a proud squad who have given their all since arriving seven weeks ago.

While the reward for a win will be far less significant than they would have hoped for when they left London on May 24, they will know that no Lions party has returned home from these shores whitewashed in a series against the Springboks.