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 result: Springboks collect their medals
Siya Kolisi drapes a medal around each of his players’ necks, led by the burliest men, with Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch and Eben Etzebeth among those leading the way. Trevor Nyakane throws his head back in laughter as he and Bongi Mbonambi gaze upon a bottle of something fizzy.
Kolisi and Makazole Mapimpi look to the heavens as they embrace. From humble beginnings, to Lions series victors.
Lions 16-19 South Africa
Quite the win for South Africa - just as 12 years ago the world champions have beaten the British and Irish Lions. Having not played Test rugby for the best part of two years they began a little slowly, but they produced two outstanding defensive performances and take series victory. In the end, it was just the one moment of magic to decide it, and there was little surprise it came from Cheslin Kolbe. He had a quiet 230 minutes (or so) in this series but his try made all the difference.
Lions vs South Africa result
The Lions players have gathered, talking to one another, dissecting defeat. Some gesturing from Finn Russell brings a smile from Zander Fagerson and Stuart Hogg, but a number look gutted. Alun Wyn Jones was on the verge of tears in that interview. So close, and yet so far.
Lions vs South Africa result: Alun Wyn Jones speaks to Sky Sports
“Obviously we are hugely disappointed with the result. We were in it until the death and I have huge pride in what the guys put out there. To fall short is hugely disappointing.
“We wanted to come out in the second half and do more of the same. The toing and froing with the penalties probably broke up the game. Trading those threes wasn’t necessarily what we wanted to do, we wanted to kick on.
“I had to work hard a second time to get out here. A lot of these guys will be on the next Tour and I look forward to watching them.”
South Africa 19-16 British and Irish Lions
37-year-old Morne Steyn - who would have written it? The closer. With nerveless aplomb, the replacement fly-half has won South Africa a Lions series for a second time.
South Africa 19-16 Lions, 80 minutes
THE SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS ROAR, AND SOUTH AFRICA WILL ROAR WITH THEM! THE PENALTY IS THEIRS! THE SCRUM DISINTEGRATES AS CONOR MURRAY INSERTS THE BALL AND MAKO VUNIPOLA IS DEEMED TO BE THE CAUSE!
Morne Steyn taps, thumps the ball over the touchline, and once again, 12 years on, the fly-half has had the decisive say. South Africa win the series!
South Africa 19-16 Lions, 80 minutes
The Lions win the restart back! Tapped back and Maro Itoje is there to gather. One more chance - surely not another draw?
On they play, but South Africa punch back with remarkable line speed at this late stage. Robbie Henshaw caught behind the gain line. Another carrier driven back. Where are Malcolm Marx’s hands straying? The whistle blows! Holding on? Not rolling away?...
Just a scrum. My oh my. Lions feed. Clock two seconds from ticking in to the red. This will decide it...
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 19-16 Lions (Morne Steyn penalty, 79 minutes)
It’s over! Surely not again? Morne Steyn puts South Africa in front with sixty seconds left...
South Africa 16-16 Lions, 78 minutes
Drop goal territory, this - where’s Morne Steyn? Calling for the tee - penalty to South Africa!
BUT HERSCHEL JANTJIES TAPS QUICKLY! WHAT IS HE DOING? A ridiculous decision from the replacement scrum-half, but he’s saved by the whistle of referee Mathieu Raynal. He didn’t take it from the mark! What drama! This is bang in front, 30 metres out, but Jantjies had for some reason gone quickly. It’s the right call in law and might the Springboks have been saved by Jantjies’ misplaed tap.
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