Warren boots clowns

series back to Auckland for a decider.

He then turned on critics who had portrayed him as a clueless clown – and encouraged them to carry on sledging.

Gatland said: “The last couple of weeks, in terms of the criticism and personal attacks, has been a little bit tough to take. Not so much for myself, more for family members.

“But, ironically, it’s actually been a huge positive, as it has galvanised us a group.

“Certain factions have tried to divide us, but they haven’t been successful in doing that. It’s been an incredibly united group of players.

“So, whoever’s been doing it, keep doing it because it’s actually worked for us.”

The Lions scored two late tries to get back in a game they looked to have blown through their indiscipline, even after Sonny Bill Williams had become the first All Black for 50 years to be sent off.

Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray claimed the scores, while the Lions’ defence ended New Zealand’s run of 39 games in which they had scored at least one try.

“In the first two Test matches, they haven’t really stretched us from an attacking perspective,” added Gatland. “We are the ones who have played pretty positive rugby. But we know historically that, when New Zealand teams lose, they respond.”