Hayes: Lions will finish with a bang

Ireland prop John Hayes insists the Lions are out to finish their miserable New Zealand tour in winning fashion.

Despite having lost the Test series against the All Blacks with one game still remaining, Hayes and company can complete an unbeaten midweek team schedule by defeating Auckland tomorrow.

The scalps of Taranaki, Wellington, Southland and Manawatu have already been collected, but Auckland will provide the toughest examination yet, given that their line-up includes All Blacks Joe Rokocoko, Sam Tuitupou, Steve Devine and Brad Mika.

“There is still one Test to go, and if we get another good show tomorrow night, a couple of fellows might get in (to the Test team),” he said.

“We are out to finish with a bang, ending things on a high note. It would be better than just petering out, so we are definitely staying positive. There is great morale within the whole squad.”

Scrum-half Matt Dawson believes the Lions have “a very difficult week” ahead of them, as he prepares for his first tour start since June 11.

“I am pleased to get a start, having not started a game since the Maori, so I am looking forward to it,” he said.

“To be honest, I couldn’t really care what game it is, I just want to start. It was getting to a stage where I was just sort of training to be on the bench, so I am really pleased to be involved tomorrow.

“Of course, ultimately, the enjoyment of it on the playing side was to be part of a winning Lions Test series. That has not happened, but it doesn’t mean the players have not enjoyed the tour. We’ve gelled superbly well as a bunch of players.

“Let’s make no bones about it, this week is a very difficult week. All the players and all the management have had their hearts set on being successful out here, and really that means winning the Test series.”

Dawson added: “In the bigger picture, it has been unsuccessful because we’ve not won the Test series.

“It is always going to be difficult. You can’t lose perception of how rare a Test series victory is for the Lions, not just in New Zealand, but anywhere in the world. It is a very, very difficult task for the players and the coaches.”

Jonny Wilkinson, meanwhile, has not yet been ruled out of the Lions’ third Test selection plans – despite suffering another ’stinger’ injury.

England star Wilkinson was hurt during Saturday’s 48-18 second Test defeat against New Zealand in Wellington, experiencing neck/shoulder problems after making a tackle.

Wilkinson sustained numbness in his arm as a result, continuing a catalogue of injury troubles to haunt him since the 2003 World Cup.

Charlie Hodgson, who starts for the Lions against Auckland, and Stephen Jones are on stand-by to replace him in next Saturday’s final Test.

But the Lions say that no decision has been made on Wilkinson’s availability to face the All Blacks at Eden Park.

“Jonny continues to receive treatment, and continues to improve,” said a Lions spokesperson. “A decision on availability for selection will be made at the appropriate time.”