The Wales and Cardiff Blues back row man refused to be drawn into self-congratulatory mode in the wake of the 24-21 win over the All Blacks as the Lions became the first team since South Africa in 1998 to stop the world champions from scoring a try in a game on home soil.
It also ended New Zealand’s run of 47 successive home wins since they lost to the Springboks in 2009 and was their first defeat in Wellington since England beat them there in 2003. No it is ‘game on’ for the series decider at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday in the third test.
“It’s only half the job done and I will be happy when we bring the test series home. It’s one apiece now, so effectively we have only played two halves,” said Warburton.
“It’s great we have got it to 1-1, but we have got to win the series. We have got an epic battle on our hands next weekend.
“I didn’t even celebrate after final whistle, I just thought we are evens now. I will genuinely only be happy if we get that Tests series win.
“Whatever happens we will come back with some credibility, but I want to get the job done and bring the series home. I hadn’t realised we hadn’t conceded a try – that is an incredible achievement.
“I’m very proud of that defensive effort. You can talk tactics as much as you like, but sometimes it’s about desire to get off line and put some hits on.
“We can’t stress how important the Lions is for players – it is the absolute pinnacle of our careers. The Test matches are really important and getting wins keeps it alive for the fans.
“It’s great that we managed to put that performance into the jersey and, hopefully, that will keep the Lions going for at least another four years.”
The Lions conceded 10 kicks at goal to Beauden Barrett, seven of which he kicked to bag all 21 points for his side, and played for threequarters of the match with an extra-man after the sending off of Sonny Bill Williams.
“The one disappointing thing was the discipline. There is still much to work on because we gave away way too many penalties in the second half,” added Warburton.
“We are delighted to have won, but we have to up it again next week to bring the series home.”
