Tourists hit beach without Warburton

The British and Irish Lions may not have sent captain Sam Warburton a “wish you were here” card as they began a two-day break at the seaside ahead of the series-deciding third Test with Australia, but they are desperate to see the skipper return in a red jersey in Sydney on Saturday.

Warburton remained in Melbourne yesterday as the rest of the touring party flew north to the Gold Coast resort of Noosa to recharge their batteries for the final push for a first series win since 1997.

The captain was due to undergo a scan last night on the injured hamstring that forced him off the field in the 67th minute of Saturday’s Test at Etihad Stadium and was due to rejoin the squad today, his prospects of appearing in the final Test expected to be made clearer in the next 24 hours.