British and Irish Lions vs South Africa LIVE: Result, final score and reaction from third Test in Cape Town
Follow all the fallout from the third Test in Cape Town
Morne Steyn stepped off the bench to break British and Irish Lions hearts for a second time by landing a late penalty to clinch a dramatic series victory for South Africa
Steyn hit the target with a minute left to snatch a 19-16 victory for the Springboks in an unbearably tense third and final Test at Cape Town Stadium. In a cruel twist of fate, the 37-year-old also sealed the fate of the 2009 Lions when he booted another late penalty that gave South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead in a 28-25 win in the second Test.
Inspired by Finn Russell who had replaced the injured Dan Biggar, the Lions produced their best rugby of the series in a first-half they lit up with off-loads, tempo and ambition. The only concern was that Ken Owens’ 19th-minute try as part of a 10-6 interval lead was a disappointing return given the time spent in the opposition 22 and so it proved in a tense third quarter dominated by the Springboks.
Cheslin Kolbe struck with a brilliant finish to propel South Africa back in front and set-up a nerve-shredding climax to the series as Russell, Handre Pollard and then Steyn took over from the kicking tee. But trailing 16-13, the Lions rolled the dice by opting for touch instead of another three points and the gamble backfired when a scrum won after they had been held up over the line saw the Springboks win a penalty to relieve the pressure.
They did not make the same mistake twice, however, with Russell completing a long-range attempt to level the score with five minutes left, but there was still time for Steyn to strike.
Relive the deciding third Test in Cape Town:
Lions vs South Africa
Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola take a knee, while the other Lions stand arm in arm as we take a moment to mark rugby against racism. South Africa stand together in unison.
Joining the lead singer on South African anthem duties this week are a youth choir, backed by a percussionist banging his drum. It’s an upbeat version, and Faf de Klerk (in the stands, mask around his chin) and Rassie Erasmus (again toting the water) join in the singing of it. Siya Kolisi looks to the heavens and roars a “come on!” as the final strains play.
Lions vs South Africa: Damian de Allende leads the South African side out
A fiftieth cap for an abrasive midfielder who has come on so much in the last couple of years, asked to do what he does best and turning into an outstanding inside centre. A proud day for Damian de Allende as he leads his side out.
Siya Kolisi sways and slaps, leaping and pumping his side up as he follows de Allende out through the green smoke.
Lions vs South Africa
Another familiar face from Lions tours past is amongst the South Africa substitutes, with Morne Steyn lurking after his decisive role twelve years ago. What price a late long-range penalty to seal it for the Springboks?
Lions vs South Africa
Low clouds and a sea mist envelop the shoreline beyond Cape Town Stadium, again our arena for the third and final time. Let us also hope that this is the last time the Lions run out in front of only empty seats - one can only imagine what an occasion this deciding game would be after the animosity and antagonising that has gone on behind closed doors. As we prepare for a more normal season in many ways, it remains a sorry sight.
We should, though, say a welcome back to the familiarly warm warbling of Miles Harrison, pleasingly back on Sky Sports commentary after recovering from surgery for colon cancer. The voice of the Lions for 25 years.
Lions vs South Africa: Sixes and sevens
I thought Siya Kolisi was outstanding last weekend. So often the discussion of the flanker focuses on who he is as a leader and symbol, but he is properly in his prime now and has so many good qualities. He’s a vital cog with a slightly different role in an otherwise power packed Springboks pack, which means he maybe doesn’t do quite as much of the traditional openside’s job, but he’s exceptionally hard working and immensely smart. If they go on to win the series today his denying of Robbie Henshaw with the game tight last week will be looked back on as perhaps a deciding moment.
The forward battle which could decide Lions series – Siya Kolisi vs Tom Curry
At the heart of a forward collision that will have a say on who comes out on top will be the back row clash between Siya Kolisi and Tom Curry.
Lions vs South Africa: Meet the officials
It’s been a slightly quieter week of officiating chatter in Lions-land, though it could hardly have matched the furore of the first two Test weeks. Taking the whistle today is Mathieu Raynal, the first Northern Hemisphere referee of the series, which may lead to some stylistic differences. Expect plenty of contesting allowed at ruck time. Marius Jonker is again the TMO, incidentally, after earning his pay with a busy evening last weekend.
Of course, there has never been any drama at all with a Frenchman refereeing a deciding Lions test, as I’m sure Romain Poite would attest.
Lions vs South Africa: Warren Gatland speaks to Sky Sports
“Some of the whole squad will never wear the jersey again. There is definitely a real edge about this group at the moment that possibly wasn’t quite there last week. We were just a few percents off about where we needed to be.
“There were lots of thigs about whether the tour should be cancelled or postponed, and it has been a massive sacrifice for everyone involved. But there are two things on the calendar every two years - the World Cup and the Lions. It is a massive brand and something we need to continue fighting for and ensuring the Lions are successful.”
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