British and Irish Lions: Leigh Halfpenny spurred on by Melbourne miss
Leigh Halfpenny revealed that his late miss in the second Test against Australia spurred him on in the series decider.
Last Updated: 06/07/13 10:00pm
The British and Irish full-back was off target with a late penalty in Melbourne last weekend but atoned for that with a stunning display in the third Test, kicking 21 points and creating two tries in the 41-16 success.
"It was hard after the game, I was pretty down. It was tough, really tough," said Halfpenny, who finished with a record haul of 49 points from the three Tests, beating goalkicking mentor Neil Jenkins' previous best of 41.
"I had the chance to win it for the Lions and I didn't take it. That is what all the hard work is for, for moments like that. I was devastated at not being able to do it.
"It was touch and go, that kick. I felt if I connected with it I would make it, but I didn't connect and it took me a few days to shake it off.
"But we had another chance, and people made that clear to me we had another chance. Not often in sport do you get a second chance.
"I had to put it behind me, but I also used the experience. I didn't want to feel like that again.
"I used it as a motivation because the disappointment can stay with you. I wanted to be a part of a Lions series win, and it helped me today.
"I've worked harder and harder in training, and today it all paid off."
