All Black-out: Warren Gatland muzzles his Lions so they don't provoke the angry bear

Lions backs Jonathan Davies and Anthony Watson after their win against the All Blacks. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Lions coach Warren Gatland has warned his players against provoking the All Blacks with ill-chosen words before the deciding third test at Eden Park on Saturday.

In an interview with the British media, Gatland said his side had "poked the bear" with victory in Wellington, but was confident enough to express delight at how the Lions had shut down the All Blacks' famed attack.

The second test in Wellington ended in heated drama, with Lions players restraining impact prop Kyle Sinckler on the field. The English powerhouse was also allegedly involved in a tunnel incident with TJ Perenara.

Gatland has also been in a combative mood throughout the tour, but is demanding his players to take the heat out of the pre-match battle.

Come game time, Gatland wants improved discipline "(so) we don't give away stupid and soft penalties", plus a better kicking game.

"Yes, we have poked the bear but hopefully the wounded Lion from last week is still recovering as well," the Guardian reported Gatland as saying.

"This is the best team in the world and, for two test matches, they really haven't stressed us.

"They have squeezed us and made us give away penalties but we haven't seen the expansive rugby that the ABs are known for.

"We've coped with that and, if we can continue to improve in other areas, then we are going to see, hopefully, a great test match.

"Saturday was pretty massive for all of us: for the future of the Lions, for the team, for everyone involved; to go 1-1 with no one expecting that....(we can) go to Eden Park thinking we are capable of winning."

But he is telling the players not to say anything capable of "winding up" the All Blacks, as the Guardian put it.

Gatland said: "They love that. They don't often get the opportunity to have pressure put on them and, when they do, they thrive on it. Hopefully we don't give them any ammunition this week and concentrate on ourselves because they will be using anything they can to motivate themselves."

Veteran Welsh lock Alun Wyn Jones has backed the decision to let the squad rest and recuperate in Queenstown for a few days.

"We know the intensity, given what's at stake, will go up again like it did four years ago (in Australia) and you imagine very little will change," Jones said.

"I've made the point we need to enjoy our victory and then get ready for next week."