Saturday 10 June 2017 20:07, UK
Taulupe Faletau believes the British & Irish Lions answered their critics during their morale-boosting victory over Super Rugby powerhouses the Crusaders.
The Lions bounced back from their disappointing 22-16 defeat against the Blues to overcome the Crusaders 12-3 at the AMI Stadium on Saturday and get their tour back on track.
Scott Robertson's free-scoring hosts boasted a perfect unbeaten record of 14 from 14 in Super Rugby prior to the encounter but Warren Gatland's side largely stifled their attacking threat.
Gatland has endured criticism from sections of the New Zealand media in recent days but Wales' Faletau believes the Lions showed their true character in the bruising victory in Christchurch.
"That was the real Lions out there; we've worked hard for each other and we've got the rewards," said Faletau. "We're definitely pleased with the result and the performance also.
"We were disappointed with the result in the last game. This was a chance to put that right and we're happy doing that."
Head coach Gatland admitted to being relieved at responding to the critics who he claimed had launched a personal campaign against him.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and England coach Eddie Jones were among the highest profile names to offer public criticism of Gatland, and the Wales coach admitted that had taken its toll.
Faletau revealed the Lions players were pleased to perform for their under-fire coach but insisted the tourists had been determined to put in a high-level performance for other reasons too, with the Bath player admitting the Lions must keep improving before the Test series starts.
"I think we've done it for each other, the squad and the management," said Faletau. "It's been a tough week, but we stuck together, worked hard and now we've got the result we wanted. That win is obviously going to give us confidence going into the next game.
"Every week we're together, hopefully it will improve and we can take that into the games we're going to play.
"We're pretty tight as a squad now, and we've spoken about what we need to do moving forward. If we keep sticking together, we can pull ourselves through the tough times."
