RUGBY UNION: LIONS TOUR
It’s Wyn or bust for Alun
ALUN WYN JONES says the Lions will embrace the enormity of Saturday’s winner-takes-all third Test.
The Wales second-row, 31, captained the Lions to victory in the decider against Australia four years ago and is eyeing a repeat against the All Blacks.
He said: “We’ve really got to make sure we enjoy it because I’ve had similar occasions before and probably not enjoyed it as much as I can.
“We’ll get the best out of everyone if we do enjoy it.
“Work sometimes becomes an obsession doesn’t it? So we’ve just got to make sure we enjoy it.
“I want to realise where I am, what I’ve done and where I’m going.
“It’s likely to be the last time I’m with the Lions.”
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, for all his disappointment at what was only New Zealand’s seventh defeat in 40 Tests, said the setback was good for the game.
He said: “Rugby has been needing something like this for a while.
“It’s now got it so everyone will be a bit nervy about that because it could go either way, and how exciting is that?
“It’s moments like this series that go down in history and excite young people to say, ‘Hey, I want to be part of this’, not only as a player, but also as a fan.
“When you lose, the cracks get exposed.
“Competition is good for everyone because it forces everyone to have to improve.”