Delon blames Lions errors

Armitage: Lions need to save pride

They know they have let themselves down because they were good enough to win the series.If it wasn't for certain errors they would have won the games comfortably. They'll be kicking themselves now for it.

Delon Armitage
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England's Delon Armitage says the British and Irish Lions will be desperate to win the final Test against South Africa and salvage some pride from losing a series they were good enough to win.

London Irish full-back Armitage says Ian McGeechan's squad had enough talent in it to beat the world champions on home soil, but that vital mistakes cost them dear.

Although the series is over after the Springboks claimed a thrilling 28-25 victory last week to win it 2-0, Armitage says the tourists will come out fighting at Ellis Park on Saturday - with their pride at stake.

"They've got one Test to redeem a bit of respect, to show people that they did have a good squad, they did gel well together as a team," Armitage told AFP.

"This is a great opportunity for them to show everyone that if they'd started well enough they could have won those first two Tests.

Heartbreaking

"To come back from South Africa without a win would be heartbreaking for them so I think they're going to go out there and look to get a win.

"Everyone's saying, oh, it's over, the series is finished, whether they win or lose. But it's about pride."

Armitage, who was in the frame for a Lions place, said the squad will be fuming now as they know they had enough talent to win, but mistakes cost them in two tight Tests.

"They know they have let themselves down because they were good enough to win the series," the 25-year-old said.

"They had the squad and the players and the personnel to win. If it wasn't for certain errors they would have won the games comfortably.

"They'll be kicking themselves now for it."

England aim

Armitage played for England in their two Tests against Argentina and has been one of the better performers for Martin Johnson, and his aim is to enjoy an extended spell wearing the number 15 shirt for his country.

"My ambition is to keep that England shirt, keep guys working to try and get that shirt off me because I want it to be mine for as long as possible, especially with the World Cup coming in two years' time.

"I don't think playing 11 games is good enough. I want to be one of the best full-back in Europe and to do that you've got to be playing every single international game for England."