The Wales and Ospreys star has been a key figure on the 2009 tour, making the number nine jersey his own after impressing in the warm up matches, but knows a whitewash against the world champions would sour an otherwise successful tour.

And Phillips is clear on his objective this weekend: “We have an opportunity to win the third test, and we are desperate to end it on a high note,” he said at the pre-match press conference.

Phillips scored a fine try in the first Test and was a pivotal figure throughout, but could not stop the South African juggernaut at the ABSA Stadium.

It was then heart break on the High Velt as Phillips and co. saw their dreams of a series win evaporate in the final seconds on the match

But now he knows it is time to end the series with a W in the result column. He said: “We are all hurting from what happened last week but now it is time to put some pride back in the jersey and get on that plane home with a win under our belts.

The 6’ 3” scrum half knows all about the pain of defeat after suffering a series of narrow losses at domestic level with the Ospreys, and he hopes the experience of a summer tour with the Lions will lead to a successful season.

“Confidence has been gained despite losing the series we will take the positives out of it.

“From a Welsh perspective, our players have done well on this tour and we are looking to bring that form back with us for the new season.”