With Victory, Lions Ensure They'll Fight Again SYDNEY - The British and Irish Lions" emphatic 41-16 victory over Australia in their third and decisive test erased any lingering doubts about the credibility of the Lions and their place in modern rugby. When the team embarked on its journey Down Under six weeks ago, it had not won a series for 16 years and had not tasted success in Australia since 1989. In the professional age, when success can hinge on both extensive preparation and the tiniest detail, many wondered whether a team pulled together once every four years and made up of players from rival countries (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) could continue to deliver. The answer on Saturday was a resounding yes as the Lions capped off their tour with an impressive victory to clinch the test series, 2-1. Lions Coach Warren Gatland was clear from the outset that only a test series triumph would be acceptable, preferably achieved via an attacking, entertaining brand of rugby. His team finally delivered on both counts by out-muscling, outthinking and outplaying Australia for its four-tries-to-one victory. But even while the Lions were basking in the glow of the series victory, Gatland was insisting that when the Lions next tour in 2017 in New Zealand, they must be given more time to prepare. Gatland was hampered in his preparations because his players were involved in cup finals with their clubs and provinces just two days before the Lions departed for Australia, via Hong Kong. "It's important that the Lions and home unions get together to arrange adequate preparation time," said the New Zealand-born coach, who has not ruled out coaching the Lions again in 2017. The season needs to be adjusted a little bit so that you can spend a couple of weeks together in the U.K. and Ireland to prepare properly. Gatland also said he believes negotiations need to be held with the host nation over the number of games leading up to the test series. "To be successful, you want to have the best possible opportunity," he said. They've got to make sure that the proper process is put in place to give the Lions the best chance to be successful for the future. The fact there is even positive talk of a Lions future boils down to the fact the squad produced when it mattered Saturday. The two previous test matches had both been decided by last-gasp missed penalty kicks, and many expected another tight duel at ANZ Stadium. It was anything but. The Lions saved their best performance for last. Their scrum overpowered Australia's, and the dominant platform up front allowed the backs to cut loose as the match wore on. Alex Corbisiero profited first from the Lions" scrum dominance with the opening try, and then fullback Leigh Halfpenny piled on the misery by doing what he does best - kicking penalties. He ended the match with 21 points, a record for a Lions player in a single test. Halfpenny's 49 points over all three tests also broke the record for the most points by a Lion in a test series, set in 1997 by his mentor and Lions kicking coach, Neil Jenkins. But the fabulous Welsh fullback, who was named the man of the series, proved he could do more than just kick by setting up second-half tries for Jonathan Sexton and George North. Jamie Roberts" try with 10 minutes to go, which increased the lead to 41-16, meant the Lions players had time to savor the magnificent atmosphere created by the loud and passionate 83,702-strong crowd. "I can't put into words how amazing it feels," said Halfpenny. The emotion after seeing the boys go over for all the tries, there is no better feeling. I'll never forget it for the rest of my life. As a kid I would always dream of being part of a Lions tour, but to be part of a winning Lions tour is one of the best feelings ever. The victory was also a vindication of Gatland's team selection. He admitted after the game that he had endured a difficult 72 hours after making the bold decision to drop the Irish legend Brian O'Driscoll for the final test. O'Driscoll may not have taken the field on Saturday, but he has ended his illustrious Lions career with the test series victory that he has coveted for four tours over 12 long years. The vitriol and public criticism of that decision clearly stung Gatland, who will now return to his duties as Wales coach, as did the accusations that he had favored his Welsh players. The story wasn't about the starting team, it was about the finishing team. It was about the guys who came off the bench and the job they did. I thought they were absolutely outstanding," said Gatland. It's not just the 23 players but the whole squad and the management, the medical team, the support staff. I think they've been exceptional both on and off the field. For Robbie Deans, however, the test on Saturday appears to have been his last as Australia coach. There has been speculation about his future since the Wallabies failed to win the World Cup in 2011, but the rumors increased in recent weeks, with Brumbies Coach Jake White and Queensland Reds Coach Ewen McKenzie as candidates to replace him. The calls for Deans to go grew even louder as the Wallabies horror show unfolded on Saturday, and Deans, a New Zealander, conceded after the match that any decision on his future was out of his hands. Those decisions will be made by others. You don't presume anything in this industry," he said. But even after the heavy defeat, Australia captain James Horwill was backing his coach 100 percent - although it is doubtful that will be enough to save Deans. Robbie's the coach. He's contracted. He's the coach. He's a great coach," Horwill said tersely. "Now is not the time to talk about it," he said. We'll review everything after this. Five minutes after I've played a test match is not the time to be talking about coaching positions.