‘I’d swap all of my 100 Test caps for a win right now’ – New Zealand captain Kieran Read reacts to ‘hollow’ series draw
New Zealand skipper Kieran Read has admitted he would swap all of his 100 All Blacks Test caps for the win which would have sealed a series victory over the British and Irish Lions.
There was an air of anti-climax on Saturday morning as the Lions ended their tour of New Zealand with a 15-15 tie in Auckland.
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While a decent result for the Lions, with Owen Farrell kicking a late penalty to end the All Blacks’ 23-year winning run at Eden Park, fans from both sides were left unsure of how to react to the shock result.
And it was no different for the players, who all seemed to share the same disappointment as the final whistle sounded.
No doubt an extravagant trophy celebration was planned, but instead the celebrations were muted as team captains Read and Sam Warburton lifted the cup together, a handle in each hand.
Read was presented with a special all-white cap for making his 100th Test appearance for the All Blacks, and he said following the presentation: “A draw is a pretty hollow feeling to be honest.
“We don’t turn up on a Saturday to draw, or to lose, we want to go out and win.
“I’m sure when we look back on the series we’ll know that a draw is better than a loss, but right now it’s mixed.
"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.
“I’m proud of making 100 Tests, but I’d probably swap all of them for a win to be honest.”
Despite his side’s brave fightback from 12-6 down at half-time, Lions skipper Warburton was left equally speechless after the series tie.
Warren Gatland’s men were looking to become the first Lions side to win a Test series in New Zealand since 1971, but came up just short.
Warburton said: "It is a difficult one, it has got to be a first. 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 to go into 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."