Lions flanker Sean O'Brien prepares for 'biggest game' of his career vs All Blacks

Sean O'Brien has described the third Test between the Lions and New Zealand as the most important game of his career.

The Ireland flanker was a star performer when the British and Irish Lions levelled the series 1-1, by winning the second Test in Wellington last weekend.

Saturday's decider is at Eden Park in Auckland, with the Lions chasing a first series win against the All Blacks since 1971.

O'Brien said: "This is the biggest game I've ever been involved in.

"Sydney in 2013 (against Australia) was special. Any time you win a series is special but to come here and win one is the ultimate.

"We are here to play rugby and to do what we can for each other. All the external things can sit and wait until we've finished the job.

"I would be lying if I said I don't look back on the Lions' history and see legends of the game who are still in the spotlight because of what they've done years ago.

"That's part and parcel of it. But, as a player, you are involved in it right now. I don't think you look at that stuff often, but you are aware of what has gone on before and what they've done.

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"We will think about that when we are 50 or 60 years of age, sitting having a pint somewhere.

"They will be nice things at that stage of your life, but not right now. We just want to go out and perform, win, and see where that leaves us."

As for the future of the Lions, who tour once every four years, he added: "I don't see why you would get rid of the Lions.

"It has been a unique part of history. It's a massive thing for players, a massive objective for players in their careers.

"As for the fans, it's a world event. I can never see it disappearing. You see last weekend and the crowd, and what they bring to it, and how much we enjoy it as players. It's an amazing thing, I think."

Regarding the match itself: "They (New Zealand) will be coming to try and hurt us, and to physically impose themselves on us, which is how they went about it the first week.

It has been a unique part of history. It's a massive thing for players, a massive objective for players in their careers.

"We fronted up pretty well last week, and I think there is a lot of improvement in us and we can go another notch in terms of those stakes as well.

"We all know what is coming on Saturday. They will be a bit hurt after last weekend, but it is something you embrace and you go again.

"We are here for a challenge, and we are going to get it this weekend."