Following in the footsteps of the heroes of 1974 is proving a key motivator for The British & Irish Lions in Australia, according to assistant coach Andrew Goodman.

Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try at the MCG sealed the Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Series with a game to spare but the job is far from done.

The touring squad have their sights on going unbeaten in Australia, with Goodman citing the fabled ‘invincibles’ as a particularly inspiring example to follow.

“It’s huge. It’s everything for us as a group to get excited about,” he said.

“It was 1974 the last time a Lions team went through the Test series unbeaten [they beat South Africa 3-0, with the final Test drawn], so there’s huge motivation for the group.

“Faz has been massive on that since the start, his expectation not just of the players but us as management and coaches to be the most successful team.

“We will pick the best team available to win the series. That might look like some changes, that might look like consistency. There’s some great competition, guys who haven’t played Test matches and would die for the opportunity to do so.”

Saturday’s match will mark the end of a Lions era for some of the stalwarts in the touring squad.

Prop Tadhg Furlong, 32, admitted after Saturday’s game that he was ‘emotional’ at the prospect of wearing red for the final time and Goodman cited his enthusiasm as an inspiration.

“He doesn’t want it to end. That’s a prime example,” Goodman said. “It’s probably going to be his last opportunity to wear a Lions jersey and it’s been a massive part of his career.

“There are a number of guys in that boat who just want to keep going because it’s a special time and they want to be part of history, finishing the tour off well.”

At the other end of the scale, Furlong’s compatriot, Garry Ringrose, will sadly be unable to make a Test debut as he continues his recovery from a head injury.

The Ireland centre was due to start the second Test but ruled himself out two days prior after feeling the effects of concussion in training.

Though his on-field impact has been more limited than he would have planned, Ringrose remains a key figure off it.

"He's disappointed as you can imagine. Garry was playing some amazing rugby through this Tour,” Goodman added.

"It's been a dream of his for so long to represent the Lions and he's managed to do that, but he wanted to be a Test-match Lion so it's been devastating for him. Garry is a great lad and a great team man.

"The boys have all been disappointed for him and he's disappointed himself, but he's getting around everyone and making sure he helps prepare them as much as he can.

"He's a real leader for us especially in our backline, he's been great."