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Published 19:24 7 Aug 2021 BST
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The Lions may have been regretting the points that got away, as the second half started, but it was time for the hosts to regret spurned chances in the opening 15 minutes, after the break. Handré Pollard missed two pops at goal and the four-point lead was intact.
All was not lost, though, as the Springboks broke after a scramble from an Ali Price box-kick. Willie Le Roux drew in Jack Conan and teed up Cheslin Kolbe for a one-on-one with Liam Williams that the wing genius made count. Pollard, buoyed by that score, made it 13-10 with 24 minutes to go.
With Finn Russell and sub Morné Steyn trading penalties, it was 16-13 to the hosts as we headed into the final 10 minutes. The Lions went for an attacking lineout, after turning down a handy penalty kick, but the Boks resisted superbly.
Russell did land a penalty after a brilliant Robbie Henshaw carry but, just like 2009, the 37-year-old Morné Steyn converted the winning penalty. Heartbreak for the Lions, but all credit to the Springboks after winning the series following a long, long lay-off.
Lineout was much better and he bashed over for an attacking maul try. Made seven carries and stuck six tackles.
Tadhg Furlong - 7
Won his side a big scrum penalty, on 15 minutes. Once again held up his side of the scrum. Tackled well. Oddly enough, did not make a single carry.
Maro Itoje - 8
Made one bullocking carry that was so good that he was left isolated inside the Bok 22 and was turned over. All action from the England lock. Won the 80th minute restart.
Alun Wyn Jones - 7
Will be disappointed that he allowed Etzebeth in for a turnover at a ruck inside the Lions half. Left it all out there. Five carries, seven tackles and threw in a couple of offloads too.
Courtney Lawes - 7
A lot more involved and showing for carries than the Second Test. Brilliant lineout take, near the end.
Tom Curry - 6
Penalised for rejoining an attacking maul after peeling off. Won a big penalty inside the Springbok 22. Was then harshly penalised for not releasing Kolisi, just outside the 22... but Pollard missed. Pinged again, though, for not releasing the ball, on 64 minutes.
Jack Conan - 7
Made seven carries in an extremely busy and positive first half. Huge charge-down to spurn the Boks advances, early in the second half. Bundled Wiese into touch after he claimed a high kick. Spilled the ball forward, soon after though. Had to stick on Le Roux for the Kolbe try.
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