News article – Style E 4735

Lions tour veteran Ian McGeechan was bursting with pride after watching his 2005 midweek charges put in a performance “full of character” to close out a 100% record in New Zealand.

Post-Match Reaction: Auckland 13 Lions 17

Lions coach Ian McGeechan told Sky Sports: “I am very, very proud of the team – they were full of character. They were intelligent in what they did, really dug in against a side that has some outstanding individual runners. It was a great team effort against a very good provincial side.

“Everybody gave everything tonight. At at time when it would have been easy to come off tour or show it didn’t matter we had a performance which showed how much the Lions means to a big group of people, and that includes me.”

McGeechan, who takes over as Director of rugby at London Wasps on his return to Britain, added: “It’s just been good to be part of it (the Lions tour) again. There is a group of players in there for whom the experience has been worthwhile.

“They will go back with different experiences. That is the value of the Lions, that is the magic.

“I enjoy it, I make no secret of that. It is a tremendous environment and is a privilege when you get the opportunity.”

Lions captain for the night, Scotland hooker Gordon Bulloch admitted: “We are over the moon with the win, the whole squad, not just the 22 guys (involved today).

“It was a great performance. The guys were running on empty towards the end. To get a win at a full Eden Park is a great achievement.

“They have given everything to the jersey.

“It’s been a great time, we had a great tour and really enjoyed it. We have played some good rugby and to finish it off tonight with a win at Eden Park is great.”