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The captains share the trophy. James Crombie/INPHO
spoils shared

'I was ready for extra-time': Warburton left speechless after drawn series

Kieran Read said he felt ‘pretty hollow’ on the occasion of his 100th All Black cap.

LIONS CAPTAIN SAM Warburton admitted he was a ‘bit speechless’ in the immediate aftermath of this morning’s epic Test match in Auckland as he shared the series trophy with counterpart Kieran Read.

Owen Farrell’s late penalty at the end of an absorbing Test match at Eden Park meant the Lions drew a series for just the second time.

“It is a difficult one, it has got to be a first,” Warburton told Sky Sports. “It is difficult as players, if you go through the pressure and the emotion of the week, it is all geared towards winning.

“But, I guess, it is better than losing. We didn’t lose the series. To be honest, I am a bit speechless, I don’t know what to make of that. I was ready for extra-time. My legs weren’t, they are cramping up everywhere.

“To come to the double world champs, what they have done over the last six to eight years was incredible, so to come here and not get beaten, we can take some credit for that.

“We can take some positives from a draw but, as players, we are gutted not to take that win.”

Read, on the occasion of his 100th All Blacks cap, said he felt ‘pretty hollow’ at full time as the All Blacks were forced to settle for a share of the spoils having won the first Test and led the third 12-6 at the break.

“I feel pretty hollow, to be honest,” he said.

“When you walk away with a draw, it doesn’t really mean much. I will probably look at it in the future with a bit more pride.”


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