SAINTS prop Luke Thompson admitted that he was not 100 per cent fit when he came off the bench in Great Britain’s second test defeat by New Zealand.

Thompson had not featured since popping a rib cartilage in the first 15 minutes of the opening tour defeat by Tonga.

But injury to Warrington’s Joe Philbin meant Thompson was brought back a week earlier than schedule – but he was nevertheless proud to have donned the jersey.

Thompson said: “It has been pretty sore for the last two weeks but it settled down this week and I had a jab before the game so I was all right to go.

“I felt a few of the Kiwi hits when I came on – I am still not 100 percent but I gave it my best shot and was really proud to pull that short on to represent my country.”

Once again the match ended with defeat with the Lions yet to roar on their comeback tour, but Thompson put his finger on where this game went wrong.

“We did not complete enough sets,” he said.

“They put us under a lot of pressure in the first half and it took its toll. We need to complete better and put them in those bad spots and put more pressure on them.

“We have a bit of adversity this tour with a few injuries and players out of position, but I am sure we will bounce back from this.

“I can’t wait to play them again.”