The drawn test series against the All Blacks may well have saved the British and Irish Lions says former international Willie John McBride.
There has been pressure from some clubs to shorten the length of the Lions tour, sparking fears for its future.
Willie John McBride Photo: BBC
But McBride, a star of the last Lions side to win a series in New Zealand in 1971, said the performance of Warren Gatland's team has underlined the status of the Lions brand.
"It's a tremendous achievement and, quite honestly, I think it has shocked a few people," McBride told the BBC.
"A lot of people had written them off before they left because they didn't really have enough time to put the team together. They have done a remarkable job.
"I think that this has, in many ways, saved the Lions.
"The concept is really unique and has gone now for well over 100 years. It would be dreadful in this professional era if it was ever messed around with.
"The one thing I feel sorry about is that the tour is actually too short. There are some tremendous players on this tour and they really haven't had the time to gel together."
Former Lion and English winger Mark Cueto Photo: Photosport
Meanwhile the former Lions and England winger Mark Cueto says it'd have been "sensible" to play extra time and avoid a draw in the third and final test at the weekend.
"Just look at the players on the field after the match and the work and the effort that everybody has put in.
"Everybody is walking round shoulders are down, body language is poor and there is that frustration there.
"I think the sensible thing would be to play extra time, as you would in any other game, and get a winner at the end of the game."
