Phil Vickery has hailed the “unbelievable experience” of a British and Irish Lions tour — and warned off those critics who question whether rugby union's greatest institution has a future.

Vickery, who will be 37 when the Lions head to Australia in four years, bowed out amid memorable scenes as South Africa suffered a first defeat at Ellis Park since 2001.

The Lions' stunning 28-9 triumph equalled their record victory over South Africa, while it also avoided a first series whitewash at South Africa's hands and ended a run of seven straight Test defeats.

Far more significantly than mere statistics though, Vickery and company ensured the Lions brand will continue to roar.

“People can question me until the cows come home about Lions tours, and I will tell them straight — Lions tours should carry on,” said the prop.

“It is the most unbelievable experience you can ever have as a rugby player. I've been fortunate to achieve some fantastic things in my career, but nothing beats wearing the Lions jersey.

“It's just the ultimate, it really is. I hope and pray that Lions tours continue — they are a very special thing to be involved in.

“A Lions tour has to be slightly different. It has to be a little bit ‘amateurish’ in that you've got to have a bit of fun and drink a few beers, because you have got to get on with people and mix.

“You've all got to mix and buy into it, and that to me is what makes it very special. I wouldn't want it any other way.”

And Vickery, whose impassioned pre-match comments to his colleagues left captain Paul O'Connell vowing to steal them for future Munster team talks, admitted it had been an emotional occasion.

“There was a huge amount of pressure on me with what had happened in Durban, and I was actually quite tearful before the game,” he said. “It was nice to come off feeling very proud of my own performance, but ultimately the team's.”