WARREN GATLAND was forced to issue a ‘cool it’ warning after his Lions scrapped with each other.
Flanker Sean O’Brien was at the centre of a training-ground bust-up ahead of Saturday’s crunch third All Blacks test.
Boss Gatland admitted: “We had a pretty tasty session with some verbals.
“It was a bit testy but everyone is aware how important this game is.
“It’s about having emotional control. You want to take it to the edge but you don’t want to go over the top.”
Gatland has banged on about discipline since the Lions gave away 13 penalties in their 24-21 second test win, which levelled the series.
But Alun Wyn Jones insists bust-ups like this are a GOOD thing.
Jones, 31, who plays in his ninth consecutive Lions Test, said: “There’s a bit of bite in the squad — but there was in the week before the Third Test in Australia four years ago.
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“There has been when I’ve played in big games for club and country. The edge does get a bit sharper between players — that’s what you need and it’s nice to see.”
Lock Jones skippered the Lions to victory over the Wallabies after Sam Warburton was crocked.
Warburton lifted the Tom Richards Trophy in his Lions suit after that — and is determined it will be different this time after being confirmed as captain for the decider.
The Wales flanker, 28, said: “Four years ago, I felt like there was a bit of unfinished business for me, personally.
“This will definitely be the biggest game I’ve played in.”
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