Maro Itoje bracing for backlash from Springboks

Itoje played his fourth consecutive Test for the Lions having been an ever-present in the drawn series with New Zealand four years ago

British & Irish Lions' Tadhg Beirne, Maro Itoje and Alun Wyn Jones celebrate after the win over South Africa. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Maro Itoje has warned the British & Irish Lions their famous first Test victory will count for nothing unless they go onto win the series against world champions South Africa.

Itoje, playing his fourth consecutive Test for the Lions having been an ever-present in the drawn series with New Zealand four years ago, put in a man of the match performance as his side came from 12-3 down at half-time on Saturday to win the opening game of three 22-17 and take a 1-0 lead against the Springboks.