Sam’s Lions war cry ahead of crunch Test

Crocked British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has backed his players to rise to the challenge of overcoming Australia this weekend and claim a first series victory for the tourists in 16 years.

Coach Warren Gatland must plan without Warburton for Saturday’s third and final Test after the openside flanker was revealed to have suffered a “significant tear in his left hamstring” during the 16-15 defeat in Melbourne.

Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll appears set to lead the side in Sydney for what will be the 34-year-old four-time tourists’ final Test as a Lion with Sean O’Brien and Justin Tipuric vying for the vacancy in the back row.