New Zealand in 2017 is Gatland’s to turn down

Agony or ecstasy, there really is nothing in between. So said Warren Gatland an hour after Saturday night’s captivating third Test in Sydney, and how right he is.

If ever a coach put his reputation on the line in advance of a crucial Test it was him.

He knew the fallout from omitting Brian O’Driscoll from the side could be incendiary, but hadn’t factored on it being quite so vitriolic. He has always had the courage of his convictions and has never courted popularity. What he has done is preside over only the fifth Lions series win in 125 years. For that he deserves immense credit.