HOW THE LIONS RATED
Liam Williams 6.5: Dropped a couple of high kicks in the first half. Little chance to shine on attack. Redeemed himself with a pressure catch after the interval and nice hands in the move for the first try.
Anthony Watson 7.5: Deserves a medal for bravery after Sonny Bill Williams’ senseless shoulder charge. Survived the concussion test and promptly claimed a superb high catch after returning to the field. Showed plenty of dash.
Jonathan Davies 6.5 : Did not see as much ball owing to the conditions but made a deft half-break late in the first spell to help set up Owen Farrell’s third penalty.
Owen Farrell 7: Didn’t offer the same impetus on attack as first-test starter Ben Te’o and driven back in one early tackling attempt. But combined well with Johnny Sexton and his goalkicking was superb, including one long-range effort.
Elliot Daly 6: Solid enough but would have liked to have seen more of the ball.
Johnny Sexton 7: Brilliant short ball to Jamie George to create the Lions’ second try. Blew an attacking chance by kicking the ball dead but generally efficient and showed willingness to move the ball.
Conor Murray 8. The world’s best halfback scored the all-important second try. Belted one box kick into touch and cost the Lions three points for a high tackle. Showed his vision and almost conjured a late first half try with his swirling crossfield kick from a penalty.
Taulupe Faletau 7.5: Deserved his try, smashing through Israel Dagg and evading Sam Cane after the best attacking move of the game. Misjudged the Conor Murray kick with Rieko Ioane looking all at sea under the ball. Defended well again.
Sean O’Brien 8: One of the Lions’ best all series, a damaging ball carrier and abrasive in the tackle. Consistent performer. Had a great honours-even battle with Sam Cane. Sam Warburton 7: The tackling machine skipper justified his selection by putting plenty of pressure on at the breakdown. Excellent leadership in the final quarter. Offered the Lions another lineout option. Alun Wyn Jones 7: The Lions’ lineout leader dropped a ball at the back and was penalised at the breakdown and conceded two penalties. But the veteran played with plenty of Welsh fire, producing more than one smoking tackle. Relished the challenge against the All Black locks.
Maro Itoje 7.5: Great first half, up in the All
Blacks’ faces and gave the Lions an extra edge at the breakdown. Sacked an All Black maul, soared high in the lineout. But lost his discipline in the second spell, conceding two penalties before recovering his composure.
Tadhg Furlong 6.5: One smashing run in the first spell and a torrid scrummaging duel with Joe Moody.
Jamie George 7.5: Ran a great line to create the bust for Murray’s try. Combined with Itoje to thwart an All Black maul and head-down-stern-up in the tight stuff.
Mako Vunipola 5: Started like a freight train but ran out of puff after being monstered by Owen Franks in a scrum. The Wellington-born prop conceded too many penalties and deserved his yellow card. Subbed thereafter. Reserves: Jack McGrath 5: (65min) Will regret not Mako Vunipola passing a ball before the Lions were pinged for obstruction. Kyle Sinckler 6: (62min) Added real impact off the bench. Big future if he stays disciplined. Courtney Lawes 6: (57min) Solid, although not as spectacular as Jones. Not rated: Ken Owens, C J Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te’o, Jack Nowell.