History will show a Lions Test series win... but they didn't fulfil their potential

WINNING the Test series is what it is all about and you can only beat what's in front of you. The Lions certainly achieved that.

- Graham Price

The Australian media claimed that 'this was the tour that the Lions stole,' after the dramatic way the Lions came from behind to win the second Test.

However, it is a series win and they don't happen very often.

In 50 years' time the tour will be judged according to the playing record, irrespective of quality or circumstances.

What continues to maintain the Lions' ideology are the Lions supporters' tours and the tens of thousands of fans who travelled to Australia.

It certainly captured their imagination, as it did for the Aussie fans in creating a record-breaking attendance for a Lions' Test match in excess of 90,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Having personally helped to manage supporters' tours with both the Lions tours and to the Rugby World Cup, I would say that the Lions tours would win every time.

As ever in professional sport, everything boils down to finances and in that respect the tour has been a resounding success commercially.

Andy Farrell and his team deserve much praise for the rare achievement of winning a Lions series, but I had the strong feeling that they did not realise their full potential.

Farrell's contribution as Lions coach is difficult to judge. His appointment was based on his success with the Ireland of two years ago.