Ellis: We know what is ahead of us

12 April 2012

Great Britain forward Gareth Ellis admits the Lions face a huge task of their own making to reach the Gillette Tri-Nations final this weekend.

Britain travel to Brisbane for Saturday's clash with world champions Australia knowing that defeat will see them miss out on a final spot for the second successive year. The Lions had put themselves in a strong position with a stunning win over the Kangaroos in Sydney a fortnight ago but then slumped to a record 34-4 loss to New Zealand in Wellington.

"It was just our attitude. We came off a such a high the previous week, playing against Australia and getting the best win of our careers - there was probably a bit of complacency the following week," Ellis told Fusion TV. "Hopefully we can do it now. We know what is ahead of us and we need to win."

In addition to assessing the Kiwi hammering, Brian Noble's squad have this week had to cope with the withdrawal of scrum-half Sean Long for personal reasons.

As a result the tourists are once again being written off by the local media but Leeds second row Ellis hopes the team can draw on the same spirit that saw them through in Sydney.

"Some of the things that were said about us then [before Sydney] did put fire in our bellies," Ellis added. "Maybe it can be the same again this week.

"It is disappointing Sean Long has gone but there are others champing at the bit to get in.

"We will have our hands full but we have proved we can do it. We have just got to do it again."

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