Sam Warburton was expecting extra time after drawn Auckland Test

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton said he was preparing for 20 minutes of extra time following the conclusion of the third and final Test against New Zealand that ended in a 15-15 draw at Eden Park last weekend.

Owen Farrell kicked the decisive penalty in the final stage of the game to help Lions level the game as the three-match series ended in a 1-1 draw - their second tied series overall with the previous one coming in 1955 against South Africa.

"I was expecting to go again," said Warburton.

"I didn't actually realise it was a drawn series. I was ready for 20 minutes of extra-time.

"I was trying to drink as many electrolytes as I could because I was cramping up, but then I realised everyone was shaking hands and I thought: 'Oh, it's a drawn series.'

"You never think it is going to go down to that situation, so I never looked into what would potentially happen.

"If I had to, I would probably have tossed a coin and gone for the win, with extra-time or a golden point or something. I think it would have made for an amazing climax. I think it would be nice to see a winner.

"Obviously, as players, you always want to win, but I guess we have done the Lions jersey proud and I am sure people will be looking forward to the next tour in four years' time.

"It's a little bit cheesy, I guess, but rugby was the winner. People make up rivalries but we know these players.

"I played against them (All Blacks) in three Tests (for Wales) last year, three Tests this year. We chat quite a lot and they are all top blokes, real nice guys.

"It was really enjoyable on the pitch. You have a bit of niggle sometimes but most of the time you are helping each other off the floor and we've got a lot of respect for each other, so there is a lot of good friendships between the two dressing rooms."

Even though, the series between New Zealand and Warren Gatland's men proved to be a spectacle, the future of Lions is still uncertain with the global calendar kicking-off from 2020. However, the 28-year-old is hoping for the Lions' culture to continue.

"Speaking on behalf of the players, we would always want the Lions to happen," he said.

"I am sure most players would say the Lions is the most special thing you will do in your international career. I think it's a must that the Lions should continue.

"With the schedule, I was never daunted by it because we had a big squad of quality players.

"If we can come to New Zealand and achieve what we have achieved against some of the best club sides in the world, then we should be confident we can go anywhere and achieve that.

"I think we've proved the tour can work on the current schedule. It does make it difficult and obviously the odds were stacked against us, but at least we know it can work in future.

"I know there are things that are over my head when it comes to the finances and the politics of it, but from a playing perspective I would like to give my opinion."

Warburton also had high words of praises for England star Farrell, who played a clinical role in Lions' success in this series.

"These last two games in particular he has been brilliant from the boot. That takes a lot of courage to do that," Warburton said.

"You can just tell he has got nerves of steel and you know he is going to bang it over.

"Out of all the guys I've played with, there are certain guys you would like to be in the trenches with when the chips are down. He is definitely one of those guys."