How they rated

STUART HOGG

His link in the back-three with Van der Merwe started weakly, leaving too much space in the back-field for kicks — and he couldn’t show his counter-attacking quality with South Africa’s brilliant kick-chase. Tackles 2 Runs 5 Metres 38

ANTHONY WATSON

Had a huge job on his hands in the air and coped well, getting the Lions out of trouble with jinking runs under pressure. He will keep his place next week for sure. Tackles 2 Runs 4 Metres 26

ELLIOT DALY

Let down early with his discipline — giving away two poor penalties — and was dominated by Am. Not the man for the style played and could lose his spot. Struggled defensively and missed a long penalty. Tackles 6 Runs 6 Metres 0

ROBBIE HENSHAW

Good linebreak on half-time, but Le Roux snuck up on him and dislodged the ball at the crucial moment. Carried well in the second half to get the Lions over the gainline, and defended well. Tackles 5 Runs 7 Metres 48

DUHAN VAN DER MERWE

Made more than 200 metres more than anyone with the ball-in-hand in the tour games but couldn’t get involved in the big carries enough. Chased kicks well, though. Tackles 4 Runs 5 Metres 25

DAN BIGGAR

Statistically a better goal kicker in his career than Pollard and recovered well after an early miss to hit three cool penalties. Kicked well off tee and from hand. Distributed well once they got quick ball. Tackles 5 Runs 1 Metres 9

ALI PRICE

It was vital he brought the tempo and once the Lions started winning collisions he got the ball away from the rucks well. He wasn’t protected well enough so he could snipe for metres himself though. Tackles 6 Runs 0 Metres 0

WARREN GATLAND

I’m not sure his starting XV was right, but he picked a bench to do a job and they bailed him out in the second half, especially in the front-row, where he might need a rethink. They need to win the physical and kicking battle next week.

RORY SUTHERLAND

Late replacement for injured Wyn Jones, so the Boks targeted him straight away, as the Stormers did last week. He struggled in the scrum, before being replaced by Vunipola. Doubt he will play next week. Tackles 4 Runs 1 Metres 1

LUKE COWAN-DICKIE

Struggled early in the lineout with three poor throws, and was disappointing despite backing himself to throw to the back and then join the maul to score his try after half-time. Tackles 3 Runs 4 Metres 8

TADHG FURLONG

Quietly went about his business, and grew into the game, especially after the shorter South African props went off. Sinckler and Vunipola were excellent off the bench after he set the platform. Tackles 5 Runs 4 Metres 4

MARO ITOJE

Dominated by Etzebeth, but then stamped his authority on the game. Won two brilliant turnovers when counter-rucking and jackalling. A nuisance as always. Man of the match. Tackles 10 Runs 3 Metres 6

ALUN WYN JONES

Very quiet first half but bold call to kick for the corner which set up CowanDickie’s try. It turned the game — that is why Gatland had him straight back in the team, for the big leadership moments. Tackles 10 Runs 5 Metres 5

COURTNEY LAWES

So chilled it is crazy — when I roomed with him he was either sleeping, gaming or eating room service! Never fazed when it was going against the Lions. Immense after half-time. Excellent in the lineout. Tackles 10 Runs 8 Metres 3

TOM CURRY

Poor early discipline when conceding two penalties, echoing England in the Six Nations, and struggled to sort out the mess at the breakdown for the Lions. Tackles 8 Runs 6 Metres 0

JACK CONAN

Carried for 45 metres from 12 carries as he went about the unfashionable jobs from No 8. It will still be such a tight call for Gatland to pick him or Taulupe Faletau next week. Tackles 6 Runs 12 Metres 45