Ugo Monye admits the British and Irish Lions are "desperate" to end their South Africa tour on a winning note at Ellis Park on Saturday.

But recent history is stacked against the Lions, given they have not triumphed in the final Test of a series since David Campese's defensive howler gifted them a 19-18 verdict over Australia 20 years ago.

"The guys are hurting from what happened last week - they are devastated - and we can't wait to get back on the pitch now and put that right," he said. "I hope we can go home with our heads lifted up high. We are desperate to get a result - this is our last opportunity."

On three of the last four tours, the Lions took serious beatings - defeated 30-13 and 38-19 by New Zealand, while South Africa smashed them 35-16 12 years ago.

Only in 2001, when Australia won a series decider by six points in Sydney, have the Lions gone close to flying home during the professional era accompanied by a farewell victory.

Despite suffering agonising defeats in Durban and Pretoria during the past fortnight, wing Monye claims motivation will not be an issue for one last crack at the world champion Springboks.

He added: "This is the last time this team will ever play together, and there are some guys who will never be on another Lions tour - so there is a lot at stake."

Monye returns to the Test arena as part of a much-changed Lions side, having experienced at first hand professional sport's highs and lows.

Selected to make his Lions Test debut in Durban, he then blew two glorious try-scoring opportunities - and paid with his place for round two of the series at Loftus Versfeld.

"Not being involved in the second Test week was really tough," he added. "To go from starting to not being involved was a tough thing, but you have got to get over it pretty quickly and support the guys who have got the opportunity."