The Springboks set up Saturday evening’s crunch, winner-takes-all clash in Cape Town by grinding the Lions into submission during last weekend’s fragmented second Test.
Incessant stoppages aided the world champions while preventing the tourists from injecting any pace into a forgettable contest.
Lions captain Jones acknowledges the need to match the world champions’ formidable physicality but has warned it must not come at the expense of suffocating free-flowing rugby.
READ MORE: Ken Owens ready for huge final Springbok challenge
“They always happen but you don’t want to entertain them,” the Wales captain said when asked about handling flashpoints.
“There is a case for not taking a step back but also an awareness in keeping the game flowing.
“Finals can be attritional things but they can open up as well. I’d like to think we’re prepared for both.
“We were in it up until 60 minutes last weekend and then discipline probably cost us so we want to have the ability to do both and be ready for both.
“We need to improve our set-piece again, improve the discipline obviously because the penalty count went against us, and try and maintain tempo in the game.
“If we can do that, we can stay away from anything that might slow us down.”
The British & Irish Lions in training ahead of facing South Africa this weekend. Credit: INPHO
You see finals, they can be attritional things but they can open up as well. I’d like to think we’re prepared for both
When he takes the field to play against South Africa this weekend, Jones will become the first Lion to play in every Test in four consecutive series.
Jones will also draw level with Graham Price at the top of the Welsh appearance chart for the Lions on 12.
Like Price, all of his caps with the best of British and Irish rugby have been won consecutively – in Jones’ case on the tours in 2009, 2013, 2017 and now 2021.
Lions coach Warren Gatland has already given his players strict instruction to avoid any niggle ahead of one of the biggest occasions of their careers.
Although South Africa’s fearsome reputation preceded them as they levelled proceedings at 1-1 thanks to a resounding 27-9 win, the Lions contributed fully to a catalogue of incidents.
While the Lions’ leadership has called for cool heads on match day, the intense nature of training sessions in the build up to Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated climax has remained unrelenting.
Gatland’s alterations for the third Test include seven Welshmen.
There's only one Alun Wyn Jones 🦁
12 straight Lions Tests – 2009. 2013. 2017. 2021. 🤩#LionsRugby #CastleLionsSeries #BoksvLions pic.twitter.com/597AoMQMWB
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) August 6, 2021
Hooker Ken Owens is joined in the starting XV by fellow country comrades Liam Williams, Josh Adams and Wyn Jones who start at full-back, wing and loosehead prop respectively.
Dan Biggar and captain Alun Wyn Jones are also in the side with Adam Beard on the bench.
The Lions know they need to get the better of South Africa both physically and in the aerial battle if they are to come out on top and seal a series win.
“We’ve had an edge every week. I think it’s definitely here this week. Since selection we’ve seen it and we’ve carried on in a similar vein throughout the week,” said 35-year-old Jones.
“I’d like to think we’ve prepped pretty well.
“Our Tuesday session was tasty again and displayed the edge we’ve seen on similar occasions previously.
“That’s the best sort of prep we can have for these games.”
