Vickery - Man on a mission

Lions prop looking to bow out with a bang on Saturday

Last updated: 3rd July 2009  

Vickery - Man on a mission

Vickery: Fully focused

I am looking forward to this match more than any other match I have ever played in.

Phil Vickery
Quotes of the week

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Phil Vickery is determined to end his British and Irish Lions career against South Africa on Saturday with a win.

The Wasps and England prop returns at tight-head for the Lions in place of the injured Adam Jones and will lock horns again with Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira.

He was given a torrid time by The Beast in the opening Test defeat in Durban and had to be substituted just after half-time.

But the 33-year-old is not shying away from the challenge ahead and is determined to sign off both his Lions career and this tour on a high note at Ellis Park.

Anticipation

"I am looking forward to this match more than any other match I have ever played in," said Vickery.

"It is my last game in a Lions jersey and I want to make sure we go out on a high. It will be good to get back out there.

"Tomorrow is a clean sheet. It is unfortunate for Adam. I am gutted for him but I have been given an opportunity and it is up to me to go out and perform.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge. It will be a great occasion, there are two teams who have nothing to lose, and hopefully we can sign the tour off in style and with a great deal of credit.

"I am very proud to be part of this group of people."

Confidence

Lions forwards coach Warren Gatland believes the manner in which Jones handled the Springboks has spiked Vickery's confidence heading into Saturday's series finale.

"Adam didn't think much to The Beast at all and Phil has taken confidence from the way Adam scrummaged," said Gatland.

"Phil also has Matthew Rees and Simon Shaw in behind him as well. Phil is very experienced and in the front row every day in the office is not a great day. But you get back in there."