Captain is a doubt for series decider

SAM Warburton is a doubt for the deciding Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 16-15 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

The British & Irish Lions captain was helped from the pitch in the 67th minute and watched from the sidelines as Wallabies centre Christian Leali’ifano converted Adam Ashley-Cooper’s late try to level the series.

A clearer picture over Warburton’s availability should emerge tomorrow and the 24- year- old Wales flanker is prepared to do whatever it takes to lead the Lions at the ANZ Stadium.

“I have a sore hamstring at the moment. The normal protocol is ice every two hours throughout the night,” Warburton said.

“I haven’t had this injury before. Normally if I’ve tweaked a knee I know what it is, but this is a new injury. Of course I want to lead the team in the third Test and I’ll do everything I can to do that.”

It was Australia’s turn to stand with their hearts in their mouths – last Saturday it was Kurtley Beale who came up short – as they watched Leigh Halfpenny attempt to secure the series.

The outstanding James Horwill, who will miss the third Test if he is banned for stamping by a disciplinary hearing tomorrow, is predicting a epic struggle in the final Test.

“I hoped that Halfpenny would miss but he’s hardly missed a kick all tour so your pulse rate goes up,” the Wallabies captain said.

“We were disappointed to let them have a shot at goal like that. We should have run the clock down and closed the game out with more composure.

“It probably wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby, but we found a way to win. These are intense battles that come down to one moment.”

Robbie Deans, whose future as Australia’s head coach is thought to be tied to the outcome of the series, was impressed by the way his team delivered.

“I’m very proud. They knew that if they didn’t score a try and conversion the series would be done,” he said. “There’s one Test to go. How good is that? What a great series. It’s great for the game and Saturday will be a great end to the series.”