Copier coller : BBC.co.uk
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Hooker Thompson out of final Test
Hooker Steve Thompson has pulled out of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Auckland because of illness.
The England forward is suffering from a viral problem and has been replaced in the line-up by Ireland's Shane Byrne.
Scotland's Gordon Bulloch - the Lions' midweek captain - takes Byrne's place on the bench.
The loss of Thompson is a blow to head coach Sir Clive Woodward, whose team will be whitewashed if they lose for a third successive weekend.
After the most expensive tour in Lions history, Woodward will be hoping to rescue a disappointing trip with an improved display in Auckland.
After their dire first-Test performance the Lions stepped up a level in the second Test, despite going down to a record defeat to the on-fire All Blacks.
He has beefed up his backline by bringing in England wing Mark Cueto and Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy, who forces Josh Lewsey back onto the wing, for their Lions debuts.
"Geordan Murphy has had a very good tour, and he was genuinely unlucky not to be included in one of the first two Tests," said Woodward.
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"I think the same applies to Mark Cueto, especially the way he played in midweek against Auckland."
With Jonny Wilkinson once again injured Stephen Jones will renew his half-back partnership with Wales team-mate Dwayne Peel.
Veteran England centre Will Greenwood will make his first start for the Lions alongside captain Gareth Thomas.
The pack, which was much improved in the second Test, was unchanged until Thompson was forced to withdraw.
New Zealand have lost both Daniel Carter and back-up fly-half Leon MacDonald, but coach Graham Henry is confident that debutant Luke McAlister will shine.
"He'll have a lot of support. Tana (Umaga) is right on his shoulder and Byron Kelleher's inside him," said Henry.
The All Blacks have also selected number eight Sione Lauaki and centre Conrad Smith.
Defeat for the Lions at Eden Park would result in a first Test-series whitewash against any opponent for 22 years.
Sujet: Thompson out pour NZ-Lions (3) 
Sam 9 Juil 2005 - 5:41
