Henry taunts Woodward

Woodward was highly critical of Henry when the former New Zealand schoolteacher was put in charge of the 2001 Lions team that was beaten 2-1 in Australia.

Henry has been reluctant to respond but returned fire after Woodward's team became the first Lions to lose 3-0 against any nation in 22 years, conceding 12 tries to three in the series.

"It's very pleasing to win the series 3-0," Henry said. "I think it was 2-1 last time."

"It (2001) was a very good series, there was some great rugby played. Both teams scored seven tries each.

"I don't know what the try count was for this series, I've lost count.

"But 2001 was a blessing for me because I wouldn't be sitting here today if it wasn't for 2001. So I should thank the people for the ribbing (jokes) because it pushed me back to New Zealand quicker than I probably would have come back."

Henry was reluctant to put the boot into the Lions players, saying they had not played badly and were beaten by a better team.

"I think they did their best. I think the All Blacks played some quality rugby, a different style which the Lions found difficult to handle," Henry said.

"International rugby players are international sportsmen, they always give their best shot and I'm sure the Lions did that."

All Blacks captain Tana Umaga said the Lions had been tougher opponents than the three lopsided scorelines suggested.

New Zealand won the first test 21-3, the second 48-18 and the third 38-19 to finish with a record series aggregate of 107 points.

"The Lions brought out the best in us tonight and we had to be on our game. They were tenacious, never gave up and played like true Lions," Umaga said.

"The way they performed today said a lot about the Lions. They battered us and there are a lot of weary bodies out there."

Henry and Umaga backed the continuation of Lions tours amid growing speculation that future tours could be shortened because of pressure from European and British clubs.

"I thought it was a superb tour and it was a huge motivation for us," said Umaga who scored a double on Saturday to finish the series with three tries.

"I think it's a great concept the Lions... we rate it as the second biggest thing after the World Cup."

Henry added: "They must survive, I think the Lions brand is something special and every time they tour it's a major occasion.

"They've had some great teams over the years and the players in those countries still see it as their peak of their rugby careers to be selected for the Lions.

"It would be very disappointing if that was taken away. I think it's essential the Lions continue because they'll have great teams in the future."