Lucky 13 as Gatland savours first win over ABs

After an agonising wait, Warren Gatland finally has his moment to savour against the All Blacks.

Thirteen attempts Gatland needed — 10 with Wales, one with Ireland and two with the British and Irish Lions. But last night in Wellington, after thousands of joyous travelling fans hit the town to celebrate, Gatland eventually could not resist the urge to fire back at criticism after the Lions sent this engrossing series back to Eden Park for a deciding third test.

Initially reserved, Gatland first acknowledged the impact Sonny Bill Williams’ 25th-minute red card had on the 24-21 result.

“It’s just one of those things. He’s led with the shoulder and the referee felt he had no choice so he’s made the decision,” Gatland said. “There was one against us earlier in the tour where someone slipped and it’s been a yellow card. It was a significant loss for the All Blacks — a key person — and we’re aware of that. There’s no doubt without Sonny Bill Williams there, that made it easier for our 10-12 combination. But we went out the back a little bit and caused them problems.”

Gatland praised the character of the Lions to come back from 18-9 down in the second half and the efforts of his loose forwards.

He lamented a 13-8 penalty count against his men and a lack of accuracy from their kicking game, but then turned his attention to those who have questioned him.

Just as he did after victories over New Zealand Maori and the Crusaders, Gatland used his position of strength after handing the All Blacks their first home defeat in 47 matches to take a swing at his detractors.

“There’s no doubt the last couple of weeks in terms of the criticism and personal attacks have been a little bit tough to take — not so much for myself but for family members.

“Ironically the thing about Kiwis and the New Zealand public is they are some of the fairest people you’ll come across. Whoever has been doing that, they would have no idea how that has galvanised us as a group.

“The amount of support I’ve had and the team has had from Kiwis — ex-All Blacks contacting saying ‘I hope you do well’.

“It’s actually been a huge positive so whoever has been doing that, please keep doing it. It’s not working, it’s actually been great for us.”

For much of the test, the Lions did everything they could to blow their one-man advantage, only getting it together in the final quarter with the impact from their bench combining with the All Blacks running out of steam.

Gatland is well aware the All Blacks are hurting but he is adamant the Lions will be ready for anything they will throw at them.

“We take a huge amount of confidence. We stepped up physically which was the challenge. We scored a couple of nice tries.

“We know historically in the past New Zealand teams when they lose, they respond, and there’s no better example than what happened in Chicago and Dublin.

“We know we’re going to be in for an almighty battle at Eden Park but we’ve come out of [last night] with some belief and confidence. It’s going to be pretty brutal next week.

“Keeping the All Blacks tryless — I don’t know the last time that happened. Two tests in a row they haven’t really stretched us from an attacking perspective and we think we’re the ones who have played some positive rugby.”

Likewise, reinstated captain Sam Warburton, following his own maiden win against the All Blacks, refused to be content.

“I didn’t even celebrate when the final whistle went,” Warburton said. “I’m glad we’ve taken it to Eden Park next week but I genuinely won’t be happy unless we get that series win. I’m proud we got one game; regardless of what happens, we’re going to go back with the Lions’ credibility [intact] but the job is not done. It’s great that we managed to put that performance in and keep the Lions alive for at least another four years.”

The last couple of weeks in terms of the criticism and personal attacks have been tough to take. Lions coach Warren Gatland