Warren Gatland confident that mocking and criticisms will make Lions even better

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has urged the critics to continue their antics following his team's 21-24 win in Wellington on Saturday.

The New Zealand Herald caricatured Gatland as a clown last week after the 53-year-old accused the New Zealand players of targeting Conor Murray's standing leg whenever he launched a kick in the box during the first in Auckland.

Earlier, Gatland also expressed concern on the blocking technique employed by the Super Rugby sides during the tour games which did not go well with New Zealand coach Steve Hansen, who urged the former Waikato star to stop applying pressure on the referees.

The Lions boss believes the distractions off the field helped his team develop a stronger mentality leading into the second Test.

"There's no doubt the last couple of weeks in terms of criticism and personal attacks has been a little tough to take," said Gatland.

"That's not so much for myself but for family members and things.

"But ironically, Kiwis are probably the fairest people and the Kiwi public have shown me a lot of support.

"So whoever has been doing that, they have no idea how much that's galvanised us as a group.

"The amount of support from Kiwis, ex-All Blacks contacting me to say that they think the personal stuff was over the top, it's been a lot.

"There's a huge proportion of Lions fans and Kiwis wanting us to do well because they think some of it has been unfair.

"It's not working because it's actually been great for us. So whoever's been doing that, please continue.

"Certain factions have tried to divide us but they haven't managed it.

"We've just kept pushing each other, and urging each other on.

"You don't get that special kind of bond and celebration of a win unless you're a group of guys proud of what they've done."

New Zealand were handed their first defeat in nine years at home on Saturday at Westpac Stadium and a red card to Sonny Bill Williams in the 25th minute did not help their cause either as they had to play with 14-men for most part of the game.

Even though, they were ahead until the 68th minute, a touchdown from Conor Murray followed by a conversion and a penalty from Owen Farrell ensured a three point victory for the visitors as the series is level at 1-1.

Despite the success, Gatland knows New Zealand will comeback hard in the deciding game in Auckland next weekend.

"We take a huge amount of confidence that we stepped up physically," said Gatland.

"But the red card is significant. It's a significant loss of a key person for the All Blacks and we're aware of that.

"And we know in the past historically what New Zealand teams are like when they lose.

"There's no better example than Dublin after Chicago.

"We know we're in for an almighty battle, but we've got belief and confidence.

"We've kept the All Blacks try-less, I don't know the last time that happened; they haven't really stressed us that much in attack.

"Hopefully there's one hell of a Test match next week."