Scott Quinnell was forced to limp off at half-time of the third Test as the Lions headed for defeat and a series loss in Sydney on Saturday.

The Llanelli and Wales No 8 has been immense on tour, scoring one of the Lions' tries in the first Test victory and carrying the ball through Australian tacklers.

But in a tour that has been ravaged by injury, Quinnell also had to succumb and could only watch from the sidelines as the Wallabies won 29-23.

"I've had a bad knee for a couple of weeks now and the hamstring has tightened up off it," Quinnell said. "I got through the first half but couldn't really go on."

Despite the loss, the Lions went down battling and Quinnell believes that all involved can hold their heads up high.

"The boys gave it their all. They went out there and showed a lot of spirit but unfortunately Australia were too good on the day.

Momentum

"But up to the last minute we could have won the series. It was a good spectacle and the fans were absolutely awesome."

Quinnell identified the Wallabies' ability to slow the Lions' possession as one of the main factors for their win, with ACT flanker George Smith a particular thorn in the tourists' side.

But Quinnell has lapped up his chance with the 2001 Lions having been forced to leave the previous tour to South Africa injured.

"I've had a great time. We've come out here and I've thoroughly enjoyed playing with the calibre of players that are out here.

"It's also great to think that there's 11 Welsh players out here and hopefully we can carry that momentum back to Wales."