Sir Clive Woodward admitted his side had lost to an "outstanding" New Zealand team after the British & Irish Lions were overcome 48-18 in the second Test in Wellington to go 2-0 down and lose the series.
The tourists started well with an early try from captain Gareth Thomas but the All Blacks proved far too strong with the outstanding Daniel Carter claiming two tries, four conversions and five penalties.
Woodward told Sky Sports: "We are bitterly disappointed. I though the guys were fantastic, they played right to the last minute.
"They put a lot into this but it was not to be. The effort was fantastic. It was a great game of rugby but we were on the wrong end of it.
"I wouldn’t say they are a better team than us but they are an outstanding team.
"They scored some great tries at the end and we struggled to defend. But we are a great team and we probably deserved more than we got.
"I thought the guys really fronted up. We started really well but the shape drifted away after the first 10 minutes."
Woodward braced himself for possible criticism of his methods following the series defeat.
He added: "I don’t intend to defend myself. We are who we are and we made decisions. I wouldn’t change anything we have done.
"We have just got to accept it and be very positive. We have a big game against Auckland and another Test.
"I just want to pat everyone on the back, but they have been playing against an outstanding team."
