MARO Itoje has the "humility" and drive not to let his cult status go to his head, according to Graham Rowntree.

England lock Itoje would have been forgiven for lapping up the Westpac Stadium atmosphere on Saturday as the British & Irish Lions edged out New Zealand 24-21 to level the three-Test series at one win apiece.

The thousands of raucous Lions fans created a home atmosphere for the tourists, with their chief anthem becoming the Itoje chant sung to the tune of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army.

The deafening refrain drowned out the All Blacks supporters all night in Wellington, much to the Lions' delight – but assistant coach Rowntree insisted Itoje knows how to put the adulation into perspective.

"Maro's biggest quality is humility and how humble he is and how he is continually striving to get better," said Rowntree.

"He was calling the line-out on Saturday. He is still a young man. It's a pivotal Test and he is in there calling the line-out on top of everything else he is doing in the game."

Itoje was not even born the last time the Lions pulled off a Test win in New Zealand, back in 1993. Yet the 22-year-old has never once shown second thoughts about riding roughshod over reputation and record in a stunning career to date with Saracens, England and now the Lions.

The 12-cap lock's uncompromising play on Saturday squeezed the All Blacks into submission after New Zealand had claimed the first Test 30-15.

Sonny Bill Williams' red card tipped the balance in the Lions' favour in Wellington, with the centre dismissed for a head-high shoulder charge on Anthony Watson.

The Lions still laboured across the line, despite the hosts playing almost an hour a man light, halting their momentum by conceding too many penalties.

Now the Lions will take on the All Blacks in Saturday's series decider in Auckland, where they will again seek to end New Zealand's stunning unbeaten run at Eden Park.

The All Blacks will be chasing a 40th match without defeat at their Auckland citadel, while the Lions are intent on claiming only their second-ever Test series win in New Zealand.

Itoje described leading the Lions' line-out for the second Test as just "business as usual" and Harlequins forwards coach Rowntree was left purring over the second row's steely focus.

In confirming Itoje as possessing the ideal temperament to cope with fan attention, Rowntree said: "You can't deny his game impact; his physicality. I thought he brought all that.

"I like his composure. He is continually striving to get better, asking everyone, 'How can I get better?' He will go a long way."

Meanwhile, Sean O'Brien says he is looking forward to rejoining the Lions squad after a citing complaint against him was dismissed.

The Ireland flanker is free to play in the Test series decider, having been reported by match citing commissioner Scott Nowland for allegedly striking New Zealand wing Waisake Naholo with his arm during the second Test.

O'Brien denied he committed an offence during a lengthy three-man judicial hearing in Wellington, with the citing complaint subsequently being thrown out.

In a response issued to the verdict by the Lions, O'Brien said: "Firstly, I hope Waisake is okay.

"I would like to thank the panel for carefully considering the case and I am looking forward to rejoining the whole squad to prepare for the final Test."

Lions head coach Warren Gatland added: "We would like to thank the panel for their professional and diligent approach. Sean is a tough but fair player and we are pleased that the panel dismissed the citing."