Ian McGeechan celebrated the British and Irish Lions' 28-9 third Test win against South Africa and told his players: "This victory will last for four years."

The Lions had already lost the series after two nailbiting defeats - but they rallied in emphatic fashion to record a record-equalling victory over the Springboks.

"It has been a fantastic series, probably one of the outstanding Test series I have been involved in," said McGeechan. "I must say congratulations to the Springboks. They won the series we both wanted."

He added: "But what these players have achieved in just six weeks should not be underestimated. They have played the world champions in their own back yard and given as good as they have got for three Tests."

Shane Williams raced in for two tries as the Lions opened a 15-6 half-time lead and the result was sealed with an intercept try from Ugo Monye and 13 points from the boot of Stephen Jones.

The Lions will struggle to escape the feeling of what might have been - but McGeechan insisted his men can head home with their heads held high.

"There was just a total of eight points difference in the first two Tests," McGeechan. "We thought it might be the same in this one but the players came with a real intent and focus and it showed.

"Maybe it is something to do with the Lions jersey. You do things sometimes you have never been asked to do in any other context.

"Players that buy into that often find something. Shane (Williams) was great. Tommy (Bowe) and Riki (Flutey) stepped in had really good games.

"I thought Phil Vickery was outstanding and the pack brought a real intensity to the game."