Monday 3 July 2017 16:23, UK
Warren Gatland has warned the British and Irish Lions to expect a backlash from New Zealand after they "poked the bear".
The Lions' series-levelling 24-21 win on Saturday will have left the All Blacks hurting, according to Gatland, who has advised his players not to give their opposition any added motivation ahead of next weekend's series decider.
New Zealand-born Gatland could not resist a jibe of his own towards Steve Hansen's side, though, insisting his Lions have yet to be overwhelmed by the reigning world champions.
"Ironically, this is the best team in the world and, for two Test matches, they really haven't stressed us," said Gatland.
"They have squeezed us and made us give away penalties but we haven't seen the expansive rugby that the All Blacks are known for.
"We've coped with that and, if we can continue to improve in other areas, then we are going to see, hopefully, a great Test match."
Asked if he expects a fiery response from New Zealand in the third Test, Gatland added: "Yes, we have poked the bear but hopefully the wounded Lion from last week is still recovering as well."
"Hopefully we don't give them any ammunition this week and concentrate on ourselves because they will be using anything they can to motivate themselves."
Gatland believes the Lions are still capable of raising their game further as they chase a first series win in New Zealand since 1971, particularly the 13 penalties conceded in Wellington.
"I'm happy we got ourselves out of a hole and showed some real character and courage and I'm happy with our physicality but we've got to make sure we don't give away stupid and soft penalties," he said.
"Key players were guilty of that."
The Lions have returned to the scene of infamous bar-room antics that derailed England's 2011 World Cup campaign after heading to the South Island for a few days of relaxation before the Eden Park match on Saturday, but Gatland has vowed there will be no repeat of the trouble in Queenstown six years ago.
"These players are true professionals. They'll have a couple of quiet beers," he said.
"On the last two tours we've gone away somewhere, freshened them up and had a couple of light sessions later in the week. That's worked really well for us."
