New Lions skipper Gareth Thomas has issued a rallying cry to his team ahead of Saturday's crunch second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. Thomas, who takes over as captain from Brian O'Driscoll, says his side have to move on from their first-Test defeat.
"We have taken the flack and we have to look forward; there is no point looking back," Thomas told Radio Five Live.
"These are the games you look forward to, backs against the wall, but we have a chance to put things right."
Thomas, who leads the side after the tour-ending injury to O'Driscoll, played on the wing in the 21-3 defeat on Saturday but has been moved to outside centre for this weekend's contest. The switch is one of 11 changes made by Sir Clive Woodward as he tries to erase the memories of the disappointing display in Christchurch.
The defeat led to widespread criticism at home and in New Zealand but Thomas insists his side have the character to bounce back.
"People are trying to pile pressure on us but the pressure is within the camp and from each other to perform," Thomas added.
"Sometimes you realise in sport that we were not the better team. If we had won the first Test then it probably would have been unjust.
"There are big changes, some forced through injuries, and the players coming in like Shane Williams, Gavin Henson and Ryan Jones have proved that they are good enough to go out on Saturday and play in a Test match.
"But come the end of the 80 minutes, the guys will have to ask themselves if they played their part."
Thomas also has no worries about featuring in an unfamiliar position in such an important fixture.
"The way rugby has gone in the last five or 10 years, it doesn't really matter what number you have on your back," Thomas added.
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"You have to be able to do everything. Kick, pass and ruck.
"Whatever number I start it doesn't matter for me. You need to be able to do everything, especially against New Zealand."
The first Test was marred by the incident early in the game which left O'Driscoll with a dislocated shoulder.
The injury came after an incident involving New Zealand captain Tana Umaga and Kevin Mealamu and although the pair were accused by the Lions of taking part in a spear tackle, both escaped punishment.
However, Thomas insists that he has no problems with Umaga and added: "Tana is a great player and after any dealings I have had with him off the pitch, I think he is a great guy as well.
"I have the utmost respect for him and but during the 80 minutes on Saturday I will put that aside and it will be a great battle I hope."
Gavin Henson, who many thought should have been in the first Test squad, is determined to seize his chance in Wellington.
"It was obviously disappointing not to be involved last week but I am just glad to be involved this time to try and turn things round and make it 1-1," he said.
"It is a not a mission impossible. We have an exciting back-line, I think we are going to win a lot more ball and it's going to be an awesome game."
MMIX
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We have an exciting back-line, I think we are going to win a lot more ball
