Lions tour manager Bill Beaumont has condemned the shocking terrorist attacks on London, but defiantly insisted the show must go on in New Zealand.

The third Test between the Lions and the All Blacks at Eden Park will go ahead as planned on Saturday, but a minute's silence will be held before kick-off.

Lions players and officials with family and friends in London were able to contact them overnight, and at this stage none of the touring party has been directly affected.

"The British and Irish Lions condemn unreservedly those responsible for the London bombings. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been killed and injured," said Beaumont.

"Players, management and the thousands of British and Irish supporters here all know people in London and will have had their own concerns about friends and relatives.

"So far as can be established at this stage, none of the Lions' touring party have had relatives or friends harmed in the bombings.

"We have agreed with the NZRU to mark this appalling incident at the third test on Saturday with a minute's silence. We do not believe it would be the right response to cancel the Test.

"As the Prime Minister said, the purpose of terrorism is to terrorise and intimidate. To cancel a major sporting event like this, which means a great deal to millions of people in New Zealand, Britain and Ireland, would serve the interests of the terrorists.

"At times like this, the relative significance of sport is put into its proper perspective. It is not a matter of life and death.

"But the third Test is an important event to many people, and the Lions will now prepare for it as best we can."

New Zealand Rugby Union officials have also expressed their sympathy for victims of the London bombings.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said: "We are saddened by the events in London and want to extend our sympathies to the families of those killed, and to the many injured by these attacks."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry began his final pre-match press conference by also offering his sympathies.

"We would just like to pass on from the All Blacks our deep sympathies to the people affected by the terrorist attacks in London," Henry said.

"The game, really, doesn't seem that significant when these sort of things are going on in the world."