Saturday 10 June 2017 13:31, UK
The British and Irish Lions produced an impressive defensive performance to beat the Crusaders 12-3 on Saturday, ending the Christchurch-based side's unbeaten record this season, and putting the Lions' New Zealand tour back on track after a midweek loss to the Blues.
The Crusaders, averaging five tries a game this season, have won 14 straight matches in Super Rugby this season - a club record - but could find no way to break down the Lions' defence as pressure forced them into handling errors.
"We needed to win," said Warren Gatland. "We felt we'd improved in the second half and it was another step up tonight... I'm more pleased with the result than the performance, we needed that.
"We worked hard on our defence, on getting off the line and putting them under some pressure."
Alun Wyn Jones echoed his coach's praise for the side.
"We were pleased with the defence," said Jones. "We probably have to be a bit more clinical in some of those line breaks, especially on the left side and when we get inside the 22.
"But we were happy with the team effort tonight to give the fans that have come out to support us something to celebrate and we've got some momentum for the rest of the series."
Sam Whitelock said his side's error-count proved their undoing.
"Our mistakes allowed them into the game," said Whitelock. "They're a quality side, a number of guys have played a massive amount of Test rugby, and they just squeezed us out through taking easy three points at the start.
"We're then playing catch-up rugby and that plays into their hands."
