Gatland had been left fuming at the unwelcome outside critiques that only increased after Wednesday's 22-16 loss to the Blues - but used victory over the Crusaders as a stick with which to beat his detractors.
Head coach Gatland was nonplussed by criticism of the Lions' scrum in their impressive 12-3 win over the Crusaders, who fielded a full All Blacks tight-five.
We've gone hard with the lads in contact, fitness, taking a lot out of the legs and with the travel, etc that would have had an impact on the first couple of games, but we're ready to get battle-hardened for a Test match.
"And that's been challenging".
The Lions' next physical challenge takes place against the Highlanders in Dunedin tomorrow and Farrell said of the squad's workload: "I think we're bearing the fruit of the last three weeks".
"So I think our scrum will be very strong by the time we come around to Test time".
"I suppose the work you do behind the scenes in reviews and meetings, we'll get better from there".
"And sometimes that brings out the best in me as a competitor in sport".
Gatland's comments suggest the Lions boss expects no different across the course of the 10-match New Zealand tour, with the Test series getting under way on June 24 in Auckland.
"The front row [including Jack McGrath] coming off the bench were excellent. we lost two of our backs in the first half - Stuart Hogg and Jonathan Davies - and we had to react to that".
Warburton is now back in action and captains the Lions against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Tuesday. "I'm desperate to get another win and kick on again so the confidence can grow".
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"That doesn't really get me going, wanting to try and emulate players from the past however great they've been, it's me trying to take little bits and pieces from what they've done and put my own stamp on the jersey". They've got another two or three games before the Test so hopefully they can get some combinations working.
"And he was looking unsafe, on outside breaks and things".
"Our game management improved from some key individuals and Conor was definitely one of them".
"We want to see his X factor to make some breaks and score some tries because that's what is needed at this level".
Several Lions gave their Test selection hopes a boost, most notably Farrell and Irish halfback Connor Murray, whose towering box kicks created constant problems.
"The Crusaders are a good team but the All Blacks are a step up".
Asked if he learned anything new from the Lions' performance, Robertson said: "No". They have earned the right to have that arrogant streak but when you sit back and realise no one is giving you a chance, it has to motivate you.
But the Highlanders, who won nine straight matches in Super Rugby this season before losing to the Crusaders, have developed a neat ability to play well in the absence of their stars.
"I thought they were outstanding at training".
"Steve (Hansen) will know that".
"The most pleasing thing was keeping them down to three points", he said.
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