Lions player ratings vs South Africa: Finn Russell shines but Liam Williams struggles in decisive defeat

Finn Russell replaced the injured Dan Biggar for the Lions in Cape Town
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Will Macpherson7 August 2021

The British and Irish Lions have been left ruing missed opportunities after losing the decisive Third Test to South Africa in Cape Town.

In scenes that echoed the 2009 series, veteran Springbok fly-half Morne Steyn - winning his first Test cap since 2016 - came off the bench to kick a last-gasp series-clinching penalty.

It was a much improved first-half performance from the Lions, but ultimately they let too many chances slip by and will now see their long wait for a series win in South Africa extend to at least 36 years.

Here, Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Will Macpherson looks more closely at the individual Lions performances.

Backs

Brought in for a belated first start of the series, with his work in the air at the heart. He was good in that department, but butchered a two-on-one for Adams, and missed Kolbe for the Boks’ try.

14 Josh Adams - 6

Definitely provided some attacking spark, and did not let the Lions down in any department. South Africa went after him in the air, but there was no wilting like last week’s back three.

13 Robbie Henshaw - 8

Big carry late in the game, which led to the levelling penalty from Russell. One of the Lions’ most consistent players across the series. Punches so hard above his weight and fights well.

12 Bundee Aki - 7

Gave away a penalty for a high tackle, but broadly did what he was brought in to do. Gave a bit of go-forward and was staunch in defence. The Bok centres were a little quieter.

11 Duhan van der Merwe - 7

Came off his wing in search of work, drifting around rucks. Carried and tackled well, and was a big improvement on a poor showing last week.

10 Dan Biggar - 5

What a shame – lasted just 10 minutes. Missed his only kick at goal. Replaced by Russell, who provided spark.

9 Ali Price - 6

Recalled after dropping to the bench last week. Was brought in for his tempo, and delivered in the first half, linking well with Russell. But went off the boil before being taken off.

Forwards

1 Wyn Jones - 6

Was meant to start the First Test, but had to wait until the Third. Was a tough gig, and gave away a scrum penalty in the first half, before being ground down and having to go off.

2 Ken Owens - 7

A key figure at the end in New Zealand in 2017, but there was to be no draw this time. Put in a decent performance on his first Lions start, scoring a try and shoring up the lineout.

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3 Tadhg Furlong - 7

Won a scrum penalty off Steven Kitshoff in the first half, and punched forward in close quarters. A class act, with the potential to tour – and start – again.

4 Maro Itoje - 7

A huge presence, as ever. Carried well, won turnover ball, and tackled hard. Loses a point for giving away three penalties. Should be happy with his series.

5 Alun Wyn Jones (c) - 6

A 12th appearance on the spin for the Lions - remarkable. Lasted 60 minutes before Adam Beard came on, offloading delicately and grafting away.

Was emotional at – surely, now – the end of a glorious Lions career.

6 Courtney Lawes - 6

Extremely industrious, but again could not hit his first Test heights. Sadly gave away the penalty that won South Africa the series.

7 Tom Curry - 6

Gave away a penalty right in front of the referee when the Lions were driving for the line. But won a jackal pen before the first half was out. Not the impact on the series many hoped he would produce.

8 Jack Conan - 7

The best of his three starts? Had a good first half, carrying often. Not the world’s most glamorous No8, but very effective.

Selected subs

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie - 7

A big 26-minute shift from the Exeter man, who is better suited to the bench in games like this. Carried really well.

17 Mako Vunipola - 6

Has been a strange tour and series for Vunipola, but he ended it well, as the first sub used. Got around the park and brought energy.

21 Conor Murray - 6

The Lions needed his steady hand, and he ended the South African element of the tour as he started it – as captain. Made the massive call to go to the corner, and it didn’t work.

Honestly, the composure on this guy? Hadn’t played for weeks, thrust on much earlier than expected, but produced a superb showing, providing the most attacking rugby of the series. Also nailed all his goals.

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