How they rated
LIAM WILLIAMS
Another couple of errors in the air, but did well to catch hold of Beauden Barrett from an early intercept and saved the Lions with a couple of timely defensive interventions. The Lions’ top carrier, but couldn’t craft a moment of attacking magic.
ANTHONY WATSON
The Bath speedster had his hands full against a pumped-up Julian Savea, who looked on a point-proving mission all night. His pace and quick feet saw him get out of trouble on a couple of occasions, but limited opportunities in attack.
JONATHAN DAVIES
One of the Lions’ players of the series. The Scarlet did brilliantly to track down Ngami Laumape after an early interception and produced a couple of big defensive reads on Jordie Barrett. Also used his left foot intelligently. Seems to grow when he pulls on the famous red jersey.
OWEN FARRELL
Nervelessly nailed his goals, but Farrell’s game was littered with errors. Put an early kick out on the full to set the tone, threw the interception with a Lions try beckoning and fell off a couple of tackles.
ELLIOT DALY
Beaten in the air by Jordie Barrett for the All Blacks’ opening try, but provided some neat touches and his siege-gun boot landed a superb long-range penalty to keep the Lions in the contest.
JOHNNY SEXTON
A lively display in attack, but the Leinster pivot was hampered by an ankle injury picked up just before half-time and had a brief absence for a head assessment.
CONOR MURRAY
Has had his hand on the tiller of the Lions ship throughout this epic journey across New Zealand and again the Munster man mixed his game up intelligently.
MAKO VUNIPOLA
Far more disciplined that the previous week’s indiscretions. Made 10 carries before making way for Jack McGrath. Second best in a messy scrum battle.
JAMIE GEORGE
The Saracen has had a strong tour, but his line-out radar faltered on a couple of crucial occasions as the tension ramped up in the second half.
TADHG FURLONG
The Irish strongman was prominent in the loose and did well to help shore up the Lions scrum after early struggles. Replaced by Kyle Sinckler on the hour.
ALUN WYN JONES
Playing his ninth successive Lions Test, the Wales skipper was everywhere in the early exchange. Replaced by Courtney Lawes after taking a Jerome Kaino forearm to the face 10 minutes into the second half. Still finished as the side’s joint top tackler.
SAM WARBURTON (C)
Unlucky to be penalised for what appeared a legitimate turnover in the opening minutes, and was a tenacious presence at the breakdown throughout. Switched to his preferred openside slot following Sean O’Brien’s departure at half-time.
SEAN O’BRIEN
Poleaxed by a thunderous clean-out by Kaino, the Tullow Tank was parked up at half-time. The Irish powerhouse hadn’t been the influence of previous Tests in this series.
TAULUPE FALETAU
Another tireless effort, particularly in defence and put in a crucial hit on Beauden Barrett with the scores tied at 12-12. The Wales No.8 struggled to find the space to rampage in attack, but has given nothing in opposition to the world’s best in Kieran Read.