Many did not know it at the time, but this was to be the last tour by an amateur Lions side.

Once again the tourists were facing the prospect of a final Test decider, with the series level at 1-1.

Gavin Hastings was the man in charge that day in Auckland.

He felt that after victory in Wellington the week before, his side were better prepared and more focussed for the third and final Test.

"We were all obviously on a high after winning in Wellington," he recalled.

Highest score

"We went into a 10-3 lead after a Scott Gibbs try under the post, and everything seemed to be going well.

"However it turned into a typical performance from the All Blacks, they just turned it completely around on us."

And indeed they did - running in three tries through centre Frank Bunce, hooker Sean Fitzpatrick and scrum half Jon Preston.

The All Blacks had recorded their second highest score against the Lions.

"Their tactics were totally changed and in many respects what we had done to them in the second test they turned the tables on us, it just showed how competitive and resilient they were," Hastings said.

"I always believe though that it is easier to pick yourself up from a poor performance the week before - and that is what they did."

So the Lions went home with their tails between their legs, losing the series 2-1.