A concussion sustained in the second test defeat to South Africa in Pretoria last Saturday has ended Brian O'Driscoll's Lions tour.

The Ireland and Leinster captain was one of the touring party's best performers, and his loss will be felt as the visitors strive to save some face by winning the final test and preventing a clean sweep by the world champions from South Africa.

The Spingboks have already won the serires after taking a 2-0 lead, but the touring party will be playing for pride in the red jersey when the two sides meet for a final time in Johannesburg this Saturday.