British and Irish Lions

The British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton will miss the series-deciding third test against Australia in Sydney after suffering a "significant" hamstring tear.

The Welsh loose forward sustained the injury late in Saturday's 16-15 second test defeat in Melbourne, which has left the series at 1-1 before Saturday's Sydney showdown.

The Lions said on their official Twitter feed: "The British & Irish Lions confirmed today that captain Sam Warburton would play no further part in the tour after suffering an injury during the second test.

"He will remain with the tour party for the third test in Sydney on Saturday."

The British and Irish Lions face a series decider in Sydney next Saturday after falling short 16-15 in a tight second Test against Australia at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

"No pressure but the Manic Street Preachers have turned up in the box to watch me work!!" tweeted Shane Williams this morning.

Read: Jamie Roberts plays with Manics in Melbourne

The British and Irish Lions have tweeted a picture of the official programme for the second Test against Australia.

The Lions are looking to secure a second win and series victory today.

British and Irish Lions supporters are gearing up for what could be an 'historic' series win against Australia since the 1997 success in South Africa. Fans said the "Lions will win of course".

Lions captain Sam Warburton has said today's second Test match against Australia is the "biggest game" of his life.

Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, he described his state of nervous excitement as the Lions aim to secure a series victory.

"I am nervous because of the massive game ahead.. But I am also excited because of what we are on the cusp of achieving".

"It was such a relief to get the victory last week.

"I have been involved in quite a few close finishes for Wales against Australia, and they have not gone our way but before last Saturday’s game I remember telling myself that, if it did get close again, then it had to go our way sooner and later. And so it did.

"Today is the time to get serious again".