A draw… Now let’s be honest no-one ever really enjoys a draw do they? Players’ fierce competitive mindsets drive them daily to be the best and honours even just doesn't sit well with them. On top of that when there’s something as large as a Test series on the line all of us watching on would also quite like there to be a definitive answer either way!
Of course there are some matches when you feel like neither side deserves to lose, May’s Premiership final was a good example of that and argubly this third Test could also sit in that category. However let’s go back to the critical point here, something more than just one game was on the line - a Test series - and it will remain unresolved in the history books. In the future extra time simply has to be employed on occasions like these because leaving players with the hollow feeling of unfinished business just isn’t fair on them and doesn’t stack up with every other major competition and final in professional rugby. Without question the players' lingering feelings of ‘what if’ from this incomplete series will take a while to settle but when they do I personally hope that the emotions pride and satisfaction are also felt by the 2017 Lions tourists.
Why when it was 'only' a draw? Well this was the tour that was deemed to be impossible by so many and the individuals in New Zealand actually proved it to be possible. The road wasn’t always smooth, not every decision was universally agreed with but when it came down to it the Test team delivered, with the support of the full squad, and Tests of epic proportions were witnessed by all watching around the world.
Thought @JonFoxDavies was outstanding today. Clever kicking & massive defense. #LionNZ2017— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) July 8, 2017
On every tour there are players that standout, players that turn heads and grow feet taller before your very eyes and this time around the players’ player of the series Jonathan Davies was one of them. The Welsh centre went about his business without fuss or flamboyance but played with outstanding consistency and conviction in all three Tests. Ahead of the final one he’d made more metres, clean breaks and offloads than any other Lion and in that final game was everywhere. The hit that he made on Jordie Barrett epitomised this, I’m sure you know the one that I mean, it resulted in Sam Warburton gaining a turnover and it epitomised fully the centre's work rate and influence. Ahead of the tour the 13 jersey wasn’t one that was nailed on yet the Welshman showed his experience and class in spades out in New Zealand.
When u grow up into a professional sportsman, I want to be just like @maroitoje ... UNREAL #LionsNZ2017— Greg Rutherford (@GregJRutherford) July 8, 2017
Then there’s Maro Itoje, the man who had the honour of looking after mascot BIL for the entire tour because he was the youngest member of the touring party. Yes, it’s pretty easy to forget that isn’t it!? The Saracen wasn’t born the last time that New Zealand lost at Eden Park and yet he’s so composed and experienced beyond his years. Of course his game is not perfect but he’s only 22 and the fact that the New Zealand Hearld made a point of awarding a 4/10 means that they all know just how brilliant he is too! You make waves in New Zealand when you’re a threat and the lock is just that!
Sam Warburton critics looking daft at the moment. Guy has been immense over the last fortnight. World class #LionsNZ2017— Steffan Thomas (@Steffan_Thomas1) 8 July 2017
Of course there are others who demand attention too; Owen Farrell’s composure off the kicking tee, Sean O’Brien’s instant bounce back to match sharpness, Alun Wyn Jones’ 'unseen' influence, Taulupe Faleteau’s drive and Sam Warburton's leadership all must be noted. Alongside this is defensive work of Andy Farrell and those that aren't ever mentioned as much – the back room team of physiotherapists and S&C staff - must also be hailed. It's not just the best of the best on the field that tour, it's the best of the best there too and being able to field an unchanged XV and bench between the second and third Tests is down to their collective efforts.
Let's be very clear that any question marks regarding the future of these tours are in my mind absurd. Instead what does need to be addressed is scheduling and giving the British & Irish Lions its rightful position in the calendar.
In due course the Kiwi head coach will feedback in order to try and influence a change in the schedule and domestic establishments must co-operate fully. A resolution has to be reached and South Africa 2021 has to be different. The touring party have to be given a fair build-up for the good of the game and to be fair to the players that are selected. To be selected to represent the British & Irish Lions remains the greatest honour that can be bestowed on a home nations’ and it’s just criminal if those selected are not given the opportunity to fully take that chance with a sufficient preparation time.
Right now it’s time for the players and management to head on well-deserved holidays and perhaps for some of us also to take a little time out while the rugby season has its annual July lull. What a season it’s been and what a way to end a British & Irish Lions tour. Forevermore this tour will remain undecided and in limbo and in 12 years’ time the great rivalry will be rekindled with just a little bit more spark than normal given the unique denouement to the 2017 series.
