Lions man marking

7 Owen Farrell Fly-half

The fierce competitor, like Conor Murray, did not have enough ball on the front foot fully to implement the Lions’ attacking game plan, which burst into life on too few occasions.

5 George Kruis Lock

It just did not happen for the England man. His endeavour could not be faulted but too often his handling let him down and he lost possession twice when attempting to carry.

7 Kyle Sinckler Rep for Furlong 58

One of the few success stories for the Lions, making a number of line-breaking carries to justify his selection as an impact player.

8 Liam Williams Full-back

Justified his selection with a series of stunning counterattacks, the first of which culminated in Sean O’Brien’s wonderful try, which gave hope just when the Lions looked dead.

6 Conor Murray Scrum-half

His kicking game was faultless but critically the Lions forwards were not able to secure enough front-foot ball for him to be able to put the All Blacks back three under pressure.

6 Peter O’Mahony (capt) Flanker

When the Lions were under intense pressure in the first half he was a constant source of line-out ball and managed an important steal but lacked the impact of his opposite number.

6 Maro Itoje Rep for Jones 67

Came on for Jones to add energy to the forward contest. Made some massive hits in defence and an eye-catching and impressive line-out steal on the Lions’ five-metre line.

7 Anthony Watson Wing

By a distance his best performance of the tour. Took an outstanding catch going backwards to prevent a try from Barrett’s early chip and spearheaded the Lions’ counter-attacking revival.

7 Mako Vunipola Prop

The Lions turned to the England prop from the outset to get them over the gain-line and he did not let them down, while his defensive work was at times heroic.

7 Sean O’Brien Flanker

The Ireland flanker’s try will be remembered as one of the finest scored by a Lions side and his carrying was strong, but he was edged out of the breakdown battle by Sam Cane.

5 Sam Warburton Rep for O’Mahony 53

The tour captain replaced the team captain O’Mahony in a bid to help slow down the All Blacks’ ball but the Lions were already under pressure and he had limited impact on the breakdown.

8 Jonathan Davies Outside centre

His searing break in the opening minute should have yielded a try and he made two key contributions in the brilliant try by O’Brien. One of the few to take the game to the All Blacks.

5 Jamie George Hooker

This was a massive step up for a player who has not started for England and he struggled with the intensity. Made strong tackles but lost possession and front row did not dominate the scrum.

7 Taulupe Faletau No8

He remains one of the Lions’ most important forwards and his work at restarts and carrying the ball once again helped provide the limited go-forward ball on a difficult night.

6 Rhys Webb Rep for Murray 67

The decision to bring the Wales scrum-half on for Murray was an attempt to switch to a running game but while he brought some fizz and finished his try well, it was too little too late.

7 Ben Te’o Inside centre

Relished head-to-head with his old rugby league rival Sonny Bill Williams. Direct running and big hits helped keep the Lions in the game by half-time and defensive work was outstanding.

6 Tadhg Furlong Prop

The Ireland prop made some strong carries but appeared to struggle with the pace of the game and was not able to make the same impact as he had done in the warm-up games.

5 Ken Owens Rep for George 68

The Lions lost an attacking line-out with his first throw and it was these mistakes that collectively cost the tourists so dearly.

6 Jonathan Sexton Rep for Te’o 56

Came on as the Lions attempted to mix up their attacking game with two play-makers at 10 and 12 but the All Blacks were largely able to close him down.

7 Elliot Daly Wing

Narrowly failed to give the Lions the perfect opening when caught in the corner. Exposed for Codie Taylor’s try, but grew into the game and used his footballing skills on several occasions.

5 Alun Wyn Jones Lock

The great warrior of the 2013 tour looked well below his best, failing to make an impact in the set-piece or the restarts and lacking a carrying menance.

5 Jack McGrath Rep for Vunipola 51

Could not force himself into the contest in the way Vunipola had and alarmingly the Lions scrum, supposedly one of their main weapons, creaked.

5 Leigh Halfpenny Rep for Williams 71

Replaced a blood-stained Williams for the final minutes but the game was already well out of the Lions’ reach by then and he made little impact.