Lions thriller ends up even

It was left to Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd to roll out the old chestnut.

‘‘Neither side will be happy with a draw, clearly. It’s a bit like kissing your sister, isn’t?’’

Hurricanes 31 British and Irish Lions 31 was how things ended at Westpac Stadium on Tuesday night. Boyd felt the neutrals would’ve gone home happy; provided there were any among the 38,690 in attendance.

‘‘If you looking at that game - four tries to three and of course I’m a complete neutral - two of their three tries were off an intercept and a dropped high ball. When I reflect on that game, I think that the Hurricanes had the better of the game,’’ Boyd said.

They definitely finished the better. Down 23-7 at halftime, the Hurricanes had ground to make up.

A converted Ngani Laumape try immediately after the break got them back to 23-14, before Jordie Barrett kicked a penalty. But the Lions’ response was quick and after 65 minutes they led 31-17. Then came the moment Lions coach Warren Gatland felt determined the outcome.

Lions lock Iain Henderson was sinbinned for spearing Barrett into the ground, while trying to clear him from a ruck. It looked a classic card offence, with Henderson putting his hands between Barrett’s legs and tipping him over, but Gatland was not convinced.

Henderson’s absence was significant as converted tries to Wes Goosen and Vaea Fifita got the Hurricanes to 31-31.

‘‘It was a penalty to us, which ends up being a penalty reversed and a yellow card; that’s the game really,’’ Gatland said.

The Lions face the All Blacks in the second test on Saturday night at Westpac Stadium.

(Callum Gibbins, Ngani Laumape, Wes Goosen, Vaea Fifita tries; Jordie Barrett 3 con, pen). (Tommy Seymour 2, George North tries; Ban Biggar 4 pen, 2 con) Hurricanes 31 (Callum Gibbins, Ngani Laumape, Wes Goosen, Vaea Fifita tries; Jordie Barrett 3 con, pen). HT: 7-23.

Hurricanes 31 Lions 31