Friday 7 July 2017 08:05, UK
Lions winger Anthony Watson does not think Sonny Bill Williams is a malicious player and confirmed that the New Zealand centre had apologised to him following last weekend's shoulder charge incident.
The All Blacks star was sent off for his shoulder charge to Watson's head during last weekend's second Test, when the Lions levelled the three-match series with a narrow win in Wellington.
Williams, who was dismissed in the first half, will be a spectator for the deciding Test in Auckland this Saturday after being given a four-week ban.
Watson said of last week's incident: "I remember everything. Obviously, it was a big tackle and I had to go off for the head injury assessment, but felt fine.
"I came back on and felt fine and have done all the protocols stuff, so everything has gone to plan. I had to brace myself for it, I guess, but it's part and parcel of the game, so it is what it is.
"He messaged me on Twitter to say there was no intention, and I don't doubt that.
"I don't think he is a malicious player, so I don't think he intentionally led with his shoulder to hurt me or anything like that. It's just unfortunate, I guess."
As for the deciding Test at Eden Park, Watson added: "It's all about winning. Going home as 2-1 losers, you are still a loser, so for me, we want to win.
"In my head, for me personally, it's about trying to get a win on Saturday.
"I wouldn't say we've got them (New Zealand) on the ropes, but we've definitely got to keep our momentum pushing forward on the back of a victory at the weekend.
"With the All Blacks, it's very much a case of expect the unexpected. They've attacked in two different ways in the last two games, so who knows what way they will attack in the third Test and what way they will defend? It's about us preparing for anything."
