Smith says he could make changes for the final Test in Wigan

"To nil a team with as many attacking players as the Kiwis have got is some feat," Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"That's pretty tough to do in the modern game, but to do so and score some terrific, entertaining tries was the icing on the cake.

"I'm pleased for the players and the Great Britain supporters. They've got a team to be proud of at the moment."

Interview: Great Britain coach Tony Smith

Paul Wellens agreed that Britain's brilliant defence had set the platform for such a comprehensive victory.

"Early in the second half we held New Zealand on our line for four sets," said the St Helens full-back.

The combinations and the cohesion between the players was outstanding Tony Smith

"When you defend the line like that it quite often demoralises the opposition. I think that was the case tonight."

The Lions were utterly dominant as they sealed their first series win since whitewashing the Kiwis 3-0 in 1993.

"The combinations and the cohesion between the players was outstanding," added Smith.

"It was a really entertaining game. I could feel it coming before the game.

"There is a quiet determination about the players. They weren't going to be denied.

606: DEBATE I have to say that this is the best GB performance I have ever seen jimmymac14

"In any game of rugby league it's difficult to nil a team. It shows a lot of discipline, commitment, determination and pride in their jersey. These boys have certainly got that."

Smith hinted that he could make changes for the third and final Test at Wigan's JJB Stadium next weekend.

"Some of these guys have been playing week in, week out for a long, long time," he said.

"They may well benefit next year because of not playing an extra game."

If we can continue to perform like we did tonight, other countries will start to take notice Paul Wellens

The likes of Kirk Yeaman, Stephen Wild, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, David Hodgson and Michael Platt could all feature for the first time in the series.

But Smith insisted that whatever team he decided to field, the Lions would be going all out to make it a clean sweep.

"We are greedy, we want to do that," he said.

"Regardless of whether I select players from this week's game or not, the guys on standby will do a great job. I've got every bit of faith in them."

Wellens added that it was vital for the team not to let their standards drop.

"It's important we don't look too far down the track," he said. "We've got another important game next week against New Zealand.

They're hurting but they're a close unit. They'll come out of this fired up NZ coach Gary Kemble

"But if we can continue to perform like we did tonight, other countries will start to take notice."

New Zealand coach Gary Kemble, a player with Hull for eight years, cited a number of injuries as a factor for his side's poor showing on his return to Humberside.

"This is a new team and we've got another team at home," said Kemble, who suffered his third straight defeat since taking charge.

"They're learning all the time. There's no excuses and we got beat by a big score again. I'll review myself and see if I'm doing anything wrong.