Brilliant Davies is a Brit special
TOP MAN: Davies MARTIN HOPWOOD JONATHAN DAVIES admitted he was “chuffed to bits” to be named the British and Irish Lions Players’ Player of the Tour for 2017.
The Wales centre, 29, excelled once again as the Lions ground out a 15-15 draw in yesterday’s third and final Test against New Zealand.
A try-saving tackle, two thunderous hits on full-back Jordie Barrett and a clutch of threatening half-breaks were the highlights of the latest star turn from the centre.
The Lions drew a series for only the second time, avoiding defeat in New Zealand for the first time since 1971, and Davies admitted he had loved every second of the tour.
“I’m very humbled and chuffed to bits to get an award which is voted for by your peers,” he said.
“But when you look back it’s been a team effort with 40-odd players and we dug in. We achieved something very special and I’m chuffed.”
While Davies admitted the drawn third Test and shared spoils across the series left mixed emotions last night, the Wales star insisted in time the Lions will come to appreciate the enormity of their achievement.
“It was a cracking Test match again for the fans,” added Davies.
“They came hard at us out of the blocks and it was very intense for the first 20 minutes.
“Credit to us for fighting back and grinding it out.
“After the first 20 minutes I felt the worst I’ve ever felt to be honest. It was a great comeback to grind out a draw.
“It could have gone either way. Some people might say it was a fair result and although we are disappointed we didn’t get a win at the end of the day, I’m proud of what we achieved.
“We’ve been put together quite quickly and come down to the best nation in the world and played well. I’d like to think we have done ourselves proud.
“It’s been a great tour. We’ve bonded really well and enjoyed each other’s company.
“I think we’ll look back at this in years to come and say we were proud to have been part of something so special.
“I’ve been really happy and enjoyed my rugby. I’ve played with a smile on my face and it’s just great to be part of such a special group of players.”