Lions Tour 2017: Warren Gatland claims Kiwi media's 'targeted campaign'

Crusaders loose forward Matt Todd is tackled during his side's defeat to the Lions. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Warren Gatland has hit back at New Zealand media's 'targeted campaign' following the British and Irish Lions' victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

The Lions coach has been under pressure the last few days following his side's late defeat to the Blues on Wednesday night which came after an unconvincing tour opener against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.

But his side got their tour back on track by chalking up a moral boosting 12-3 win at AMI Stadium against a Crusaders side who've been unstoppable in Super Rugby.

Gatland's men put in an impressive defensive display to earn their first ever victory over a Super Rugby team with England first five-eighth Owen Farrell kicking four penalties in the win.

The Kiwi coach had a message for the New Zealand media after the match, telling Radio Sport that the local press had a 'targeted campaign' against him.

"There's a lot of people who've written us off in the last week and saying the tour was over. I even heard someone say it was more embarrassing than 2005," Gatland said after today's win.

"I've been hammered by the New Zealand media as well. It's been a targeted campaign against me personally but that's part of coaching at the highest level. You know you have to be able to handle those things and handle that sort of pressure. Sometimes it brings the best out of me as a competitor."

"The proudest thing is that it's about the 23 [players in the squad] doing it for the whole 41 of us. We can take another step forward and look to the next couple of weeks," Gatland added.

The Lions will look to back up today's win when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Tuesday night. It's a short turnaround for Gatland who will name his squad tomorrow.