Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny delights in his side's Sydney triumph © PA Photos

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Leigh Halfpenny has revealed that his second Test misery in Melbourne proved a motivating factor behind him producing the game of his life in Sydney.

The Wales fullback was in unstoppable form at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, breaking two British & Irish Lions records as Australia were swamped 41-16. Halfpenny's 21-point haul - he also had a hand in creating tries for Jonathan Sexton and George North - was a Lions Test record, while his 49 points in the series beat his goalkicking mentor Neil Jenkins' previous best of 41, set 16 years ago.

But it was a kick he missed - a last-gasp penalty from 50 metres that would have given the Lions victory last weekend and secured the series a game early - that drove him on.

"It was hard after the game, I was pretty down. It was tough, really tough," he said. "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."

Among the well-wishers in the Lions dressing room afterwards was James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and Halfpenny admitted the whole experience was a surreal one.

"I didn't realise he (Craig) was in the changing room. But it was incredible to see James Bond in there," Halfpenny added. "I guess it shows you what it means. The contrast in dressing rooms after games can always be extreme. Last week was as low as I ever want to feel, but this is just incredible.

"I had the chance to win it in Melbourne - we had the chance to kill it there. We weren't able to do that, and it was a case of picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off. We had a few days break to relax, and that really helped. It has been a long tour and that helped us refresh. As a kid you have a dream of pulling on a Lions jersey. But I never dreamt of anything like this.

"To play like that and win like that is something that will live with me forever. It's amazing to be a part of a Lions Test series win. It's why you work so hard, for moments like today. We played so well, but we always felt we had that kind of performance in us. We have supported each other as a squad from the start, and we've all worked hard. We are delighted with this - we've made history."