'Frightening thing is New Zealand are likely to get better over the next two games' – how the rugby world reacted to the Lions defeat

Chastened, bossed out of the game and, quite simply, beaten be the world's best exponents of rugby union. Following the British & Irish Lions 30-15 defeat to the All Blacks in the opening Test in Eden Park, Auckland, the world of rugby united in its praise of Steve Hansen's side who were simply too fast, too organised and too good for Warren Gatland's tourists.

"A chastening experience for the Lions players and management and no doubt the supporters as well," Paul Grayson, the former Lions and England fly-half told the BBC on Saturday morning.

"Up against an All Black team who continue to set the standards for all others to aspire to they simply had no answer to some of the brilliance on display and even though the Lions finish with consolation score the inquest will be tough.

"On the bright side there were moments when the Lions created space and scored a fabulous try from their own line, but that is never going to be enough against a team who are simply better than everybody else."

However, despite the painful defeat there were positives to take from the game  – described as one 'hell of a Test match' by Kieran Read, the New Zealand captain  – for the Lions.

"We were really tested in the first half and just early in the second half," Read told Sky Sports. "I thought they played outstandingly. There were two skilful teams, working hard for each other.

"There were a few switches in momentum out there. We will go into next week, the same as this one."

Indeed, Peter O'Mahony, the Lions captain, echoed Read's thoughts, saying: "I thought we had an excellent first half and created plenty of chances. We probably missed one in the first half and here in the second.

"We are happy with the opportunities we created. Our discipline wasn't where it should be, we conceded double figures in penalties.

"We have to regroup, have a good look at that and move on now.

"We have got to be a little bit more clinical, we are making some good breaks we just have to finish them off."

Brian Moore, the former Lions and England hooker and Telegraph Sport columnist, summed up the mood of all Lions fans in a single tweet, saying that things could, potentially, get even worse for Gatland and his squad.

"Frightening thing is that New Zealand are likely to get better over the next two games," tweeted Moore.