Lions series ends in a draw

By Mark Stevens
8/7/17

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell picked up his second British & Irish Lions cap as the tourists claimed a dramatic 15-15 draw against world champions New Zealand at Eden Park.

The Cornishman came on as a late replacement for England colleague Anthony Watson, but it was Owen Farrell whose penalty two minutes from time that ensured honours were even following three pulsating test matches.

In doing so, a pulsating Test series also ended 1-1, with one Test drawn, as both sides fought themselves to a standstill.

The All Blacks thought they had a chance to win it with just seconds left, but as Beauden Barrett lined up a kick at goal, referee Romain Poite consulted television replays and awarded a scrum to New Zealand instead for accidental offside.

New Zealand looked to have silenced the Lions’ roar, but they were guilty of blowing a number of gilt-edged chances that ultimately returned to haunt them.

The Lions’ hopes of series glory on New Zealand soil for a first time since 1971 were ultimately thwarted by an All Blacks side that made it 40 Tests unbeaten at Eden Park.

The third Test decider did not disappoint, matching expectations in terms of ferocious intensity as both sides tore into each other.

First-half tries from international rookies Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett gave them momentum, while Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty and conversion, with Farrell’s four penalties and an Elliot Daly strike providing the Lions’ points.

The Lions were left to suffer frustration rather than create history, but it was a brave and resilient effort.