DRAWING COMFORT .... THE HISTORY OF LIONS TEST LEVELLERS
The British and Irish Lions shared their three-Test series against New Zealand 1-1 after their first drawn Test in 33 years.
It is the 10th draw in Lions Test history and here, Press Association Sport looks back at the previous ones and how each one left the series. 1974: South Africa 13 Lions 13, fourth Test The Lions’“Invincibles” were already 3-0 up in the four-Test series but were denied a perfect 22 out of 22 wins on the tour. Indeed, they needed a 76th-minute penalty from Andy Irvine to preserve their unbeaten record. 1971: New Zealand 14 Lions 14, fourth Test Still the only time the Lions have won a series in New Zealand, recovering from a 22-12 defeat in the second Test to win the third and close out a 2-1 win with a hard-fought draw in the series finale. JPR Williams’ drop goal proved crucial as the tourists held firm to seal a historic triumph. 1968: South Africa 6 Lions 6, second Test Draws may be rare these days but they were commonplace in this previous era, occurring in three successive series.
The Lions lost their 1968 series in South Africa 3-0 with only the second Test bringing any consolation, courtesy of two penalties from Ireland full-back Tom Kiernan. 1962: South Africa 3 Lions 3, first Test One try apiece - in those days worth only three points - left the first Test tied at Ellis Park, Welshman Ken Jones racing 60 metres for the Lions to cancel out a score from fellow centre Johnny Gainsford.
That was as good as it got, though, with the hosts then winning two tight Tests and comfortably taking the last for a 3-0 series win. 1950: New Zealand 9 Lions 9, first Test The first tour to officially use the Lions name, and they opened their Test series with a draw. Tries from Jackie Kyle and Jones put the tourists 9-3 up in the second half but they were pegged back by Bob Scott and a late Ron Elvidge score. The All Blacks went on to win the four-Test series 3-0. 1924: South Africa 3 Lions 3, third Test After losing 7-3 and 17-0 in the first two Tests, the Lions needed to respond with a win in Port Elizabeth but could only manage a share of the spoils, Bill Cunningham and Jack van Druten