There’s no better supporters in the world than those who follow The British & Irish Lions according to skipper Sam Warburton after a sea of red filled Eden Park on Saturday.
The vocal travelling support roared the Lions on to a 15-15 draw in the decisive final Test which saw the three-match series end in a 1-1 stalemate.
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And Warburton said that their support has made a massive impact on the squad who ended the Tour as only the second Lions squad to avoid defeat .
“I don’t think when you come this far, halfway across the world, I am not sure there is a better away support in world sport,” the Welshman said.
“It is incredible when you think of how far they have travelled and the amount of numbers there are and as players it makes a big difference.
“And that goes a long way to why Lions Tours are so special, the away fans this far away from home it is unbelievable.
“We don’t underestimate the amount of effort, time and money they spend to come here and support us and they contributed massively to getting this Test series draw.
“In the game, it does help you get off the floor, it’s a massive thanks to the fans from myself, the players and the staff on the Lions.”
Warburton led from the front with another impressive display in Auckland and has not lost a Lions series as captain.
But the 28-year-old heaped praise on the entire squad and the Lions staff for creating a hugely positive and well received Tour on and off the field.
“It is a massive team effort, not just players, 40 staff, other staff behind the scenes who have all worked their socks off to try and make this Tour a success. It is a real team effort,” he added.
“As a group this has been the most special group of people I have been involved in on this Lions Tour and all the players have echoed that as well when chatting about it this week.
“The Tour in general, from engagement with the New Zealand public, fans back home and spreading rugby across the world, I think it has been a huge success.
“Chatting to a couple of the All Blacks boys and although it is a bit cheesy, rugby is the winner at the end of the day so all in all a pretty successful Tour.”
A massive thank you to our amazing sea of red throughout the series your support has been incredible! #NZLvBIL #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/IqLQjVZFZP
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 8, 2017
