Lions hopefuls blow chances

– The British and Irish Lions squandered a 16-point lead as the Hurricanes roared back to snatch a 31-31 draw and dent the Test prospects of several touring players yesterday.

The Lions leaked four second-half tries and then missed a drop-goal attempt after the siren as they threw away a commanding position against the Super Rugby champions.

It wasn’t the result the Lions wanted in their final tour match as coach Warren Gatland looks for reinforcements for this week’s second Test after Saturday’s defeat to the All Blacks.

There were some bright spots, with Tommy Seymour (above) scoring two tries on the right wing and George North one on the left, although Gatland’s Test focus will be on the forwards.

Lock Courtney Lawes excelled, along with hard-running No 8 CJ Stander.

Iain Henderson also played well, but marred his Test hopes when he was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, allowing the Hurricanes back into the game in a thrilling finale.

“It’s very frustrating to have given up a lead twice,” said Lions captain Rory Best, adding: “It’ll be the last game (of the tour) for a lot of us. But we’ll make sure that we knuckle down, roll up the sleeves and whoever’s lucky enough to play in the last two games we’ll make sure they’re well prepared and ready to win the game on Saturday.”

In what may be a taste of things to come in the second Test, it was an often bad-tempered encounter in front of a sell-out crowd of 39 000 featuring plenty of off-theball niggle.

“We wanted to put on a performance today and it’s frustrating because I think we gave away a few soft penalties early,” said Hurricanes captain Brad Shields.

“But look, a massive game and an awesome occasion and I think the boys loved every minute of it. And the fight out there to come back in that second half was unreal and just great to be a part of.”