Sam Warburton says Lions victory over New Zealand would be the pinnacle of every player’s career
Written by News on 07/07/2017
Lions captain Sam Warburton claims a series victory in New Zealand would be the pinnacle of every squad member’s career.
The Lions head into Saturday’s series-deciding third Test level at 1-1 having achieved a 24-21 win in Wellington last weekend.
To achieve a series win, the Lions will have to halt New Zealand’s incredible record at Eden Park, where they have not lost since 1994 in a run of 37 straight victories.
The Wales flanker, who captained the Lions to a series victory over Australia in 2013, is well aware of the importance of Saturday’s encounter.
"It is definitely the biggest challenge we have had in all of our careers including previous Lions tours, World Cups, Six Nations and all the big games in Europe the lads have been involved in," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"This has got to be up there. If we win it will be a career highlight for every single man, not just for the 41 but also the management. They have all been through the same emotions as the players.
"It’s a massive, massive team effort, and so if we win it, it definitely will be up there as the pinnacle of our careers."
In the 129-year history of the Lions, the tourists have only ever won one Test series in New Zealand, winning the 1971 tour 2-1.
While Warburton says the squad have embraced Lions history, he added they have to rein it in on Saturday in order to be successful.
"It is a difficult one, you are obviously aware that if you win it is huge in rugby history," Warburton added. "You are aware of it but you don’t really try and think too much.
"The main thing you think about is your own individual role, what you’ve got to get right to make sure your cog in the team turns properly, and if everyone can do that as a collective then you will be good.
"You are obviously well aware of it, you would be lying if you said you weren’t, but you do try and take yourself away from that and remain completely focused on the job ahead."
(c) Sky News 2017: Sam Warburton says Lions victory over New Zealand would be the pinnacle of every player’s career
