Skipper Sam Warburton out of Lions decider

Injury forces Warburton to miss Sydney showdown
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Chris Jones2 July 2013

The Lions’ hopes of a first series victory in 16 years suffered a huge blow today when captain Sam Warburton was ruled out of Saturday’s decider against Australia.

Scans confirmed the flanker had suffered a “significant” hamstring injury in the 16-15 Second Test defeat two days ago, forcing him out of the crunch match in Sydney.

Although there was some good news for the Lions today with centre Jamie Roberts proving his fitness after a hamstring problem kept him out of the first two Tests, losing Warburton is hugely significant.

The Wales skipper, who was outstanding on Saturday before the injury, said: “It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out. I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build-up this week. I am confident the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win.”

He later tweeted: “Still feel privileged and fortunate to have lived my Lions dream. Lets get behind the boys for Saturday!”

The squad have been beset by injuries on this tour and with 2009 captain Paul O’Connell sidelined with a broken arm, Brian O’Driscoll looks certain to lead the team in what will be his final Lions match. It means the man who was captain for the 2005 series in New Zealand before a disgraceful spear-tackle injured his neck ended his tour, has one final opportunity to savour a series triumph.

O’Driscoll will link up with Roberts in midfield, where they will form the same centre pairing that featured in two Tests in South Africa in 2009.

The return of Roberts, injured against the New South Wales Waratahs two and a half weeks ago, will give the Lions some much needed midfield power.

Defence coach Andy Farrell is confident that Roberts and England prop Alex Corbisiero will both be named in the Third Test team on Wednesday.

Corbisiero, like Roberts, has been undergoing daily intensive treatment to try and solve a calf problem that kept him out of the Second Test, forcing the Lions to start with Saracens loose-head Mako Vunipola, who was heavily penalised by referee Craig Joubert.

The Lions have always seen Vunipola as a major threat from the replacements’ bench rather than a starting loose-head in the Tests, which is why Corbisiero’s return is as important as Roberts’s.

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