JOHANNESBURG - The British and Irish Lions avoided a second successive series whitewash and restored their pride by thumping world champions South Africa 28-9 in the third and final test on Saturday.
South Africa, who won the first two tests, made 10 changes and two tries for recalled wing Shane Williams helped the Lions avoid a first series sweep of defeats by the Springboks four years after losing 3-0 to New Zealand.
The victory, which matched their highest score and widest winning margin against South Africa set in 1974, also ended the Lions' record run of seven successive defeats. Their last win came in the first test against Australia in 2001.
It was South Africa's first loss at Ellis Park since France beat them in 2001.
"It's a very proud moment. Today was very important," captain Paul O'Connell told Sky Sports.
"It's been a very tough week mentally for everyone and we really dug deep there and some guys produced some serious form and some great scores.
"We knew we had to dig deep and the guys are very conscious of the whole Lions ethos and we wanted to do it proud," O'Connell said.
"The first game we could have won, the second we should have won and we were eager the memory of playing well wouldn't be upset by a poor performance today.
"I hope people don't misconstrue the lap of honour," added the Irish lock. "We are under no illusions we've lost the test series but a lot of people have paid a lot of money to come here and we just wanted to thank them."
Coach Ian McGeechan, in charge when the Lions triumphed 2-1 12 years ago, added: "It was massive, the players really picked themselves up. There was such sadness in the dressing room last week so to come back and play like that again, that's an outstanding group of players.
"To finish off the way we have done is satisfaction but it's slightly secondary satisfaction as we came here to win the test series and we haven't managed that."
