Saturday 8 July 2017 14:01, UK
Throughout his career, when it matters most, British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has developed an uncanny knack of getting the job done.
From Wasps to Waikato, Wales to overcoming the Wallabies, in one-off games where the stakes cannot get any higher, the Kiwi has delivered.
Ahead of the Lions' series-deciding third Test against New Zealand, and arguably his greatest challenge, we look back at Gatland's formidable track record...
Wasps 48-30 Bath (May 25, 2003)
Gatland masterminded a flawless European Challenge Cup campaign to set the first of two shots at silverware in his maiden season at Wasps. In a game that's remembered for Bath captain Danny Grewcock's sending off - for punching England team-mate Lawrence Dallaglio - Wasps ruthlessly made their man advantage count at the Madejski Stadium, Josh Lewsey among the six try scorers who sealed an eighth win from eight in the tournament.
Gloucester 3-39 Wasps (May 31, 2003)
Six days on from Challenge Cup glory, Wasps had the chance to get their hands on another trophy in the Premiership final. Having finished the regular campaign second, a play-off semi-final win over Northampton booked a winner-takes-all clash with table-toppers Gloucester at Twickenham. Despite finishing 15 points adrift of the Cherry and Whites, it was Wasps who prevailed as Lewsey's first-half double and a late Joe Worsley try sealed an emphatic debut double for Gatland.
Wasps 27-20 Toulouse (May 23, 2004)
Twelve months on from his first triumph, Gatland's Wasps stood on the brink of rugby immortality having reached the pinnacle of the club game - the Heineken Cup final. Standing in their way were defending champions Toulouse, who were bidding for a record third European Cup success.
A pulsating Twickenham final looked destined for extra-time with the scores locked at 20-20. But, with just seconds remaining, scrum-half Rob Howley pounced on Clement Poitrenaud's indecision on his own try-line to snatch victory as Wasps were crowned European champions for the first time.
Bath 6-10 Wasps (May 29, 2004)
An error-strewn afternoon at the line-out threatened to derail Wasps' hopes of adding a second league title to their European triumph, as Chris Malone kicked Bath into a 3-0 half-time lead at Twickenham. But, while their set-piece was found wanting, Gatland's now-trademark defensive prowess came to the fore, keeping Bath at bay as Alex King's drop goal and a converted Stuart Abbott try sealed a hard-fought second domestic crown.
Leicester 14-39 Wasps (May 14, 2005)
First met second in the Premiership final a year later as Wasps went in search of their third consecutive title. On the afternoon when England and Leicester heroes Martin Johnson and Neil Back bid farewell to the game, Wasps put any sentiment to one side as tries from Tom Voyce, Mark van Gisbergen and Rob Hoadley tamed the Tigers. With a hat-trick of titles underlining Wasps' domestic dominance, Gatland, with little else left to achieve, returned to his native New Zealand soon after.
Waikato 37-31 Wellington (October 21, 2006)
Having forged his professional playing career at Waikato, Gatland returned in a coaching capacity and was tasked with replicating the success he had enjoyed Europe. Tries from Ma'a Nonu and Tana Umaga came too late for Wellington as Gatland's impenetrable defensive set-up laid the foundation for the Mooloos to end a 14-year wait to be crowned New Zealand's provincial champions.
Wales 29-12 France (March 15, 2008)
After their dismal group-stage exit at the Rugby World Cup six months prior, Gatland led Wales to only their second Grand Slam in 30 years, sealed with a dominant final-quarter display against the French in Cardiff. With the scores locked at 9-9 with half an hour remaining, Shane Williams crossed over to become Wales' all-time leading try scorer before Martyn Williams wrapped up a historic victory.
England 12-19 Wales (February 25, 2012)
With victories over Scotland and Ireland in the bag, the 2012 Six Nations boiled down to Wales' Triple Crown decider against fellow tournament hopefuls England.
Stuart Lancaster's men appeared on course for a hard-fought victory, leading throughout until Scott Williams stunned Twickenham with a 75th-minute try. Victories over Italy and France at the Millennium Stadium in their final two games were nothing more than a formality as a third Grand Slam in eight tournaments was secured.
Australia 16-41 British & Irish Lions (July 6, 2013)
Having been pegged back in the series by Adam Ashley-Cooper's late try Melbourne, the 2013 Lions tour of Australia reached a thrilling climax as Sydney's ANZ Stadium played host to the decider. Alex Corbisiero's first-minute try, and Leigh Halfpenny's precision from the tee, settled any early nerves for the tourists, but a converted James O'Connor try on the stroke of half-time made in 10-19 to leave the contest tantalisingly poised.
But Gatland's men moved up a gear in the second period, as unanswered scores from Johnny Sexton, George North and Jamie Roberts ended the Lions' 14-year wait for a series victory.
Watch New Zealand v the British and Irish Lions - The Decider - live on Saturday, 7.30am, Sky Sports 1 HD
