McGeechan points to positives

Professional pride will inspire a shadow British and Irish Lions team to victory against South Africa, says head coach Ian McGeechan.

The Lions head for a dead rubber at Ellis Park, following heartbreaking defeats in Durban and Pretoria, hoping to avoid a first series whitewash at the hands of South Africa in 118 years and second in succession having slumped to a 3-0 hammering in New Zealand in 2005.

Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones will miss the third and final Test because of injuries but McGeechan has challenged his support cast to end the series on a high.

"We've tried to freshen it up - there have been some tight calls over the first two Tests," said Lions head coach McGeechan.

"They (the first two Tests) have been two fantastic games of rugby, with a lot of plusses, and I hope it will be the same again on Saturday.

"We certainly don't want to go back on the way we've been playing, or on our approach and attitude.

"If we get enough right, we hope we will be in there with a shot of winning the game.

"We've got a new challenge. Those players are very keen they show their own capabilities, and I am very encouraged by just what they've done in training this week.

"The players out there will want to respond very positively. If we play well enough to win, it will be a very sweet victory."