It was, purely and simply, about as good as it gets, writes Andrew Baldock.

From the opening minutes when British and Irish Lions front-row warriors Alex Corbisiero, Richard Hibbard and Adam Jones tore into their shell-shocked opposite scrummagers, there was realistically no way back for Australia.

The Wallabies made a fist of it in adversity, clawing back from 19-3 behind to just three points adrift at one stage, but then the Lions found another gear perhaps even their coach Warren Gatland did not know they had in them.

The final scoreline of 41-16 said everything anyone needed to know about their domination.

For a team that simply had to produce and end 16 years of Test series hurt today, it was truly a stellar performance and one that will rank among the greatest in the Lions' 125-year history.

The closing 20 minutes at ANZ Stadium were a triumphant procession for the tourists as George North and Jamie Roberts added to earlier touchdowns from Corbisiero and Jonathan Sexton.

And then there was Leigh Halfpenny, the diminutive but devastatingly-brilliant Wales full-back.

He ended the three Tests by posting a new Lions series record of 49 points for one player. The previous holder - Halfpenny's mentor Neil Jenkins - looked on in admiration in his role as Lions kicking coach.

Halfpenny's 21-point haul only told half the story, though. He also showed his mesmeric running skills to set up two tries and was deservedly named man of the series.

At 24, he has the rugby world at his feet, the shining light among 10 Welshmen in Lions coach Warren Gatland's starting XV who delivered for him as they had done on so many previous occasions.

And for New Zealander Gatland, today's mighty success represents perhaps the most significant entry of all in his career portfolio.

A domestic and European title winner with Wasps, a Six Nations title and Grand Slam winner with Wales, the country he also guided to a World Cup semi-final, Gatland is now a Lions king.

Not since 1997 had the Lions won a Test series. On that occasion it was 2-1 in South Africa and a triumph underpinned by Jenkins' goalkicking and magnificent team defence.

This time, the final margin was also the same, but the Lions got there with a huge degree of flair and aplomb, attacking Australia in all areas. Ultimately, the Wallabies could do little more than stand and admire their opponents.

But perhaps, above all, today's stunning win should have removed any doubt about the Lions' future.

There were those doubting their very existence for too much longer had Australia prevailed, yet the approximate 40,000 travelling supporters who have soaked up Sydney's winter sunshine this week left lasting memories.

And the nine tour games Down Under were watched by a total of just under 400,000 people. Proof, indeed, that the Lions brand is alive and kicking, and why wouldn't it be when their heroes on the pitch can play like Gods?

It was, purely and simply, unforgettable.