Gatland eyes 'real high' in finale

Warren Gatland says the British and Irish Lions must win the third Test against South Africa to finish the series 'on a real high'.

The New Zealander has hit out at suggestions the game at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon is a meaningless affair given that the Springboks have clinched the series 2-0. And Gatland says it is imperative the Lions can pick up a moral-boosting win against the world champions and sign off in style.

One of the big factors resting on the clash is the Lions are hoping to avoid being whitewashed for the second series in succession after the 3-0 reverse in New Zealand in 2005, while South Africa want a first clean sweep against the Lions for 118 years.

"There is a huge amount at stake for these guys," said Gatland.

"If we don't front up and perform, all the hard work and effort the guys have put in could be thrown away. We have got to win the game."

He added: "We've got to make sure we finish this series on a real high.

"Some tough questions are going to be asked and it would be easy for three or four of the players not to give 100% or to be slightly below their best.

"If that happens, we could find ourselves on the end of a disappointing result."