Lions refuse to let bombings affect tour finale

There was never any suggestion the Lions might abandon their tour following the London bombings.

"It's saddening but it's life, innit," said co-coach Andy Robinson during a stern address at the Lions pre-test press conference yesterday.

He said the team's thoughts and sympathies went out to those affected by the bombings, but the players and staff remained staunchly focused on tonight's match. "[Going home] certainly hasn't been discussed at our level.

"In terms of Sir Clive [Woodward] and Bill Beaumont, they are being kept informed of events. But if there was any suggestion [of ending the tour], we'd have fronted up this morning," Mr Robinson said.

"But nothing has been discussed in that sense, we've got a test match to play and everybody understands that."

The Lions first heard of the bombings from TV reports on Thursday night, but did not gather to discuss the drama until yesterday morning.

"We were just watching the news, just sat there watching things unfold.

"You go back to September 11, remembering where you were when that happened," Mr Robinson said.

"It has become quite frightening ... It puts everything into perspective, but the focus remains here.

"The players can only control what they can control." The full squad were to assemble last night to discuss suggestions for tonight's match such as whether the players should wear black armbands.

A minute's silence to be held prior to the anthems at Eden Park tonight was announced yesterday in a joint release from the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Lions.

"We are saddened by the events in London and want to extend our sympathies to the families of those killed, and to the many injured by these attacks," wrote NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew.

Lions' tour manager Bill Beaumont said the party was closely following events in London and offered condolences to everyone affected.

"As far as can be established at this stage, we are fortunate that none of our touring party have any family or close friends directly affected, although we will continue to monitor the situation."

Mr Beaumont said many within the squad had contacted friends and family back in London

All Black coach Graham Henry said the attack made the third test seem less important: "the game really doesn't seem that significant when these sorts of things are going on in the world. I'm sure the Lions camp is feeling that way."

Mr Robinson yesterday described the NZRU and Mr Henry's reaction to the attack as "exceptional".