Lions brand 'needed' Test victory

Martyn Williams started his first and last Lions Test in Johannesburg

Martyn Williams has hailed their third Test consolation victory over world champions South Africa as good for the British and Irish Lions' future.

The 28-9 win over the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday was the Lions' first Test victory in nine attempts.

Williams was an unused replacement when the Lions last won, a 29-13 success over Australia in Brisbane in 2001.

"The win has been a long time coming and it's good for the Lions brand, it needed that," said flanker Williams.

The future of the Lions seems consistently under threat in the professional rugby era due to the intense physical demands put on modern players.

Williams was hoping to win his first Lions Test cap on The Gabba substitutes bench when fellow Welshmen Scott Quinnell and Dafydd James scored tries in a historic win.

Williams was also an unused replacement as the Lions lost the final two Tests in Australia, and again in the second Test in New Zealand four years ago before belatedly making his Lions Test debut, coming on for the final four minutes of the third Test in Auckland.

The Cardiff Blues forward also featured as a replacement in the first two Tests of his year's South Africa tour before finally starting his first Lions Test in Saturday's momentous win at Ellis Park.

"The support has been unbelievable and hopefully we have put some pride back in the jersey," said Williams.

I'm so happy for Shane. He has been world class. He's had a bit of criticism on tour but he was the difference out there Lions flanker Martyn Williams

"It was an unbelievable game and one of the toughest Test matches I've ever played in.

"I don't know whether it was the altitude or that the ball was in play a lot but it was very, very tough.

"I'm so chuffed for everyone involved because we worked so hard. It was great to finish off that way.

"We didn't want to go out in a whimper, the last thing we wanted to was go out there and get mauled."

The 33-year-old was elated for his namesake and fellow Welshman Shane Williams who, after coming under much criticism, scored twice to inspire the 28-9 victory.

"I'm so happy for Shane," said 88-times capped back row Williams.

"He has been world class. He's had a bit of criticism on tour but he was the difference out there."

It was an emotional occasion for both Williams, as the stunning win signed off their Lions careers on a high.

Martyn, who like Shane won Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008, hailed representing the Lions as the "highlight of your career" after his 17th appearance over three tours.

"It's definitely my last game," said Williams. "There's no way I will be here for another four years."

606: DEBATE Who is the best player of the Lions Test matches - it's a tough one but Mike Phillips I think! mrsodriscoll

Mike Phillips, on the other hand, started all of the Tests in South Africa in what is expected to be the first of several Lions tours for the Wales scrum-half.

"It was devastating that we lost the series," said the 26-year-old Phillips.

"We wanted to end it on a high and make sure we got on the plane victorious in the last Test, as we were hurting tremendously after last week.

"The boys have stood up and given everything like they have all tour and we have had the win in the end.

"In a couple of weeks you will look back and think it slipped away. It was so close - a matter of inches.

"But it has been a great experience and it has been great to be a part of the Lions. I thought I never would be.

"To get to know all the other players I have such respect for has been brilliant. I just hope I haven't let anyone down. I wanted to give 110%. I will never forget this tour."