IRB have strengthened Wallaby resolve

With Warburton out, if Deans chooses to recall George Smith to the fray, we could see a sizeable shift in that battle at the breakdown.

WARREN GATLAND has much to ponder over his few days by the pool at Noosa Heads, not that he has time for sunbathing. Having made five changes to his starting line-up for the second Test, he must now consider tweaking the side again in this, the final team selection of the 2013 Lions tour of Australia.

Having worked assiduously on this project for well over a year now, the series now comes down to this, his final act as coach of the Lions — for another four years at any rate.