British and Irish Lions vs All Blacks player ratings: Maro Itoje proves he's a future great as All Blacks rookies shine

Man-for-man marking from the third and final Test at Eden Park

The British and Irish Lions fell agonisingly short in their attempt their beat New Zealand for the first time in 46 years after drawing the third Test 15-15 to leave the series level.

Having gone into the Eden Park decider off the back of last weekend’s 24-21 victory, the Lions harboured genuine ambitions that they could pull off the biggest of upsets and beat the All Blacks for the first time since 1971.

Their efforts did not get off to the best of starts though, as the All Blacks took the lead when Ngani Laumape crossed to score early on, but two Owen Farrell penalties kept the reigning world champions in touching distance.

However, the All Blacks flexed their muscle again when Jordie Barrett scored a second try shortly before the break, but still the Lions would not concede defeat. An Elliot Daly penalty from all of 55 metres brought them back into touching distance, and Farrell then levelled the scores with 12 minutes to go.

The All Blacks looked to have pinched it with a late penalty, only for Farrell to add another and see the scores locked together, and with no agreement to play extra-time, the match and series were drawn and both sets of players were left to look deflated with the near-miss.

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