How the Lions rated in New Zealand tour
● Davies and Itoje were the stand-out performers as most of those in red stepped up to fill the famous jersey, writes Nick Purewal
Created one of the greatest tries in Lions history when he attacked from deep in the first Test. He also made mistakes, but he is a thrilling counter-attacker.
Unlike in Australia four years ago, was more of a bit-part player this time round. Did not start a Test.
The Scotsman’s tour was ended when he suffered a freak injury during the Crusaders game when team-mate Conor Murray’s elbow caught him in the face.
A wonderfully elusive runner who was a handful for the New Zealand defence in all three Tests. Exciting to watch.
Enhanced his reputation by breaking into the Test team and starting all three All Blacks clashes. Also kicked a brilliant long-range penalty in the decider.
Started the tour slowly, but he had his moments as it progressed. On the bench for second and third Tests.
Failed to make a mark and fell well below the blistering standards of his Lions tour to Australia four years ago.
Scotland wing showed his finishing prowess, ending as top try-scorer with three, as midweek regular.
Hampered by injury and then migraine trouble, meaning he was never able to hit top gear.
A magnificent tour in attack and defence. Won the Lions players’ player award, and impossible to disagree. Outstanding.
Could not hit the heights that he regularly manages with England. Some strong attacking moments, but also exposed in defence at times.
The powerful centre did a brilliant job on New Zealand dangerman Sonny Bill Williams in the first Test. Relished the big occasion.
Travelled to New Zealand with his expectation, but things did not materialise, and then he suffered a tourending injury in the Hurricanes game.
Won the second Test and drew the third with his nerveless penalty kicking. Rock-solid temperament, although he was sometimes prone to making wrong decisions.
The Ireland fly-half worked well with Farrell at inside centre, and gave the Lions options with his gamemanagement skills.
Had to settle for a midweek team role, but the Wales number 10 never let his head drop and provided a strong presence throughout.
Relished his scrum-half battle with New Zealand’s Aaron Smith, and arguably shaded it across the Test series. May well now be the world’s premier number nine.
Quick and with an eye for a gap, he understudied Murray strongly and was an excellent squad player.
Never really got going, and while an important midweek performer, he did not stand out, pictured right.
The England prop delivered some dominant displays in the tight and loose exchanges. All-action and aggression, he stepped up to the plate.
Ireland’s young loosehead prop did not put a foot wrong, and looks to have a glittering Test future ahead of him.
A mainstay of the midweek team, Marler consistently put in a shift as the Lions often had to dig deep.
A scrummaging rock for the Lions, he performed with a maturity beyond his years. Already approaching world-class status.
The young England forward was over-exuberant at times, yet he also offered a great deal around the field. A rich learning experience.
Like Marler, did not show any outward sign of disappointment at missing out on the Tests, doing his job diligently and professionally.
Moved from England’s reserve hooker to Lions Test team starter. George’s career has leapt forward with his performances in New Zealand.
The Wales hooker found consistent levels throughout the tour when was called upon. Commanded respect.
The most-used player as midweek captain, the Ireland skipper was a motivational presence on and off the pitch.
England’s 22-year-old lock went up another gear with the Lions. Relished the big occasions and taking on New Zealand’s revered forwards.
Has now played in nine successive Lions Tests, recovering from a shaky performance in the series opener to rediscover top form.
Bristled with pace, power and aggression, and richly deserved a place in the Test matchday 23 on two occasions.