Ian McGeechan celebrated the British and Irish Lions' 28-9 third Test win against South Africa and told his players: "This victory will last for four years."
The Lions had already lost the series after two nailbiting defeats - but they rallied in emphatic fashion to record a record-equalling victory over the Springboks.
"It has been a fantastic series, probably one of the outstanding Test series I have been involved in," said McGeechan. "I must say congratulations to the Springboks. They won the series we both wanted."
He added: "But what these players have achieved in just six weeks should not be underestimated. They have played the world champions in their own back yard and given as good as they have got for three Tests."
Shane Williams raced in for two tries as the Lions opened a 15-6 half-time lead and the result was sealed with an intercept try from Ugo Monye and 13 points from the boot of Stephen Jones.
The Lions will struggle to escape the feeling of what might have been - but McGeechan insisted his men can head home with their heads held high.
"There was just a total of eight points difference in the first two Tests," McGeechan. "We thought it might be the same in this one but the players came with a real intent and focus and it showed.
"Maybe it is something to do with the Lions jersey. You do things sometimes you have never been asked to do in any other context.
"Players that buy into that often find something. Shane (Williams) was great. Tommy (Bowe) and Riki (Flutey) stepped in had really good games.
"I thought Phil Vickery was outstanding and the pack brought a real intensity to the game."
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dnp321
what a tool!!!
I agree Benny, I am sad Schalk let our beloved team down last week, we are all rugby fans lets celebrate the fact we can play teams of a calibre of the British and Irish Lions I am chuffed we managed to win 2-1 but admire the grit and determination of both teams and supporters well done on taking me out of my painful body for a while, here's to 2021!
As a saffa, and big bok fan: dnp321 you really need an attitude adjustment, boet! Stop slagging fellow rugby fans off! We support the same bloody game. And although my blood is green, I will never forget that if it weren't for William Webb Ellis, we would probably not have had this game. The UK will forever be the birthplace of rugby.
And yes, the Lions can hold their heads up high. They thoroughly beat us! and they were very competitve during the whole tour.
So stop making us Saffas look bad with your stupid comments.
Sies man, jy maak ons naam gat!
nohing to be proud of - 1st win in eight tests - lost the series, no matter what is said. lions had a good team, but were not good enough to win the series. no matter how hard they try to make everyone believe they are so proud and happy. they lost 2-1.
last week s.a said in the media that they have already won the series and that they will experiment and cruise into the next test.
look at the replacements - they did not change the team when the going got tough. they kept the young guns on to get the experience which they so badly need. wise decision from de villiers.
he knew that he had it in the bag and tested a few combinations. great players on both teams. and lions deserved to win today
BOKKE BO! BOKKE BO! LANK LEWE DIE GROEN TRUI. kom,kom die groen voor die vol paviljoen, moenie laat hy ly daar gaan 'n draagbaar verby
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