Skip to content

Jamie George warns the Lions must keep 'clear head' in the face of potential history

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 24:  Jamie George of the Lions holds onto the ball during the Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the British &
Image: Jamie George insists the Lions must keep 'clear heads' if they are to achieve a series victory over the All Blacks

Hooker Jamie George says the British and Irish Lions cannot let the occasion overwhelm them as they chase a historic Test series win over the All Blacks.

Tied at 1-1, the Lions can complete their first series victory in New Zealand since 1971 when the tour reaches a blockbuster finale at Eden Park on Saturday.

Pick your Lions Test XV
Pick your Lions Test XV

Use our team selector to tinker with the Lions line-up for Saturday's Sky Live decider at Eden Park...

George acknowledged the importance of the match but said Warren Gatland's men had to concentrate on their rugby for the decider against the back-to-back world champions.

"Immortality? We're fully aware of what's at stake... [but] we can't get carried away with the emotional side," he said.

New Zealand All Blacks vs British & Irish Lions.Lions' Taulupe Faletau celebrates scoring their first try with teammates
Image: The Lions now have a chance to create history with a series decider in New Zealand

"We've got to go into the game with clear heads and attack it.

"Sometimes you can maybe get overawed by the occasion and think about making history. But we can't think about that.

"I think it's going to be a fantastic occasion on Saturday and one again that we'll never forget.

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of New Zealand against the British and Irish Lions in the second Test at Wellington

"We've got to make sure that physically we are on it, mentally we are on it, we know our stuff and we can go into the game with clear heads and really attack it."

The Lions edged the 14-man All Blacks 24-21 in Wellington but George said the tourists would need to improve against a New Zealand side intent on revenge.

Jamie George raring to go for the Lions
Image: George, despite having yet to start a game for England, came on tour as one of three hookers and has cemented a Test place

"It's about taking it to another level now," he said. "We know that the All Blacks will be hurting and will come back firing.

"So we need to be able to take ourselves to a place we've never been before, both mentally and physically."

"There's a huge amount of excitement. We're aware of the record at Eden Park but we're going to be looking to change that this week," he said.

Jamie George raring to go for the Lions
Image: George, despite having yet to start a game for England, came on tour as one of three hookers and has cemented a Test place

The 26-year-old, whose 17 England caps have all come off the bench, has hit a rich vein of form in New Zealand, earning himself a starting spot in the first two Tests.

"I've taken a lot of confidence from the way I've been playing. I'm learning a lot from the people around me; the likes of Tadhg Furlong and Alun Wyn Jones," he added.

"To be run around by Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton is pretty special."

The Lions Tour live only on Sky Sports
The Lions Tour live only on Sky Sports

Make sure you don't miss Saturday morning's series decider. Get Sky Sports today!

Around Sky