Wednesday 5 July 2017 12:43, UK
Lions full-back Liam Williams' absence from Lions training is no more than a precaution, according to coach Neil Jenkins.
Wales international Williams has started both Tests as yet and has been central to most of the Lions' attacking plays, instigating Sean O'Brien's sensational score in the first Test and playing major roles in the build-up to both Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray's scores in the victorious second.
The former Scarlets back, who will play the forthcoming season with European champions Saracens, sat out training in Queenstown on Wednesday with what was described as "tightness" in his leg.
Jenkins expects Williams to be fit and ready for selection for the deciding Test at Eden Park, though.
"He's just a little bit tight, but he'll be fine," said Jenkins.
"It's probably precautionary, just a little bit of tightness."
The Lions will chase only their second Test series win in New Zealand on Saturday, but must end the All Blacks' 39-match unbeaten run at Eden Park, stretching back to 1994.
Should Williams fail to recover in time, Wales star Halfpenny would be a straight swap. Head coach Warren Gatland also could opt to shift Anthony Watson to full-back and start Jack Nowell.
Changes to Gatland's starting XV are expected to be minimal for the third Test, with the announcement live on Sky Sports News HQ from 8pm on Wednesday.
Gatland dropped first Test skipper Peter O'Mahony from the squad for the second Test in Wellington, with tour captain Sam Warburton promoted into the team alongside Sean O'Brien.
O'Brien's Test place had seemed in doubt after he was cited, but the Ireland openside will be available after his citing was dismissed and Jenkins has backed the same flanker pairing to go well again in the third Test.
"Sean O'Brien's performances on this tour speak volumes," Jenkins added. "He's been outstanding on this trip.
"He's a world-class rugby player, and he and Sam Warburton were outstanding last week.
"They both played exceptionally well. It's only right that he's available for Saturday, and it's good news for us that he is as well.
"Sometimes you don't really appreciate what you've actually achieved in rugby until you finish playing.
"So you can only really think about that properly after Saturday night, and maybe even years down the road if you like.
"You hear it from Sir Ian McGeechan and other famous Lions: sometimes it might only be a look that passes between former Lions team-mates.
"And to be honest that's what it tends to be; just a look across the street with someone.You make friendships and bonds for life, and that will never change.
"Whatever happens on Saturday this has been a fantastic tour and the boys have done exceptionally well.
"They've gone hard from day one, they've gone extremely well, there's a fantastic spirit among them all - and that will play a big part on Saturday night.
"There's a true camaraderie and togetherness in the squad, and that will shine through again on Saturday."
