Lions beaten as Springboks level series

Warren Gatland’s men were looking to emulate their 1997 predecessors by sealing a series victory on South African soil with a game to spare after prevailing in the opening Test.

And a fast and furious first half saw the Lions take a narrow 9-6 lead into the break, with Dan Biggar kicking three penalties to Handre Pollard’s two at Cape Town Stadium.

But just as the tourists had done in their first Test victory, South Africa turned the game on its head after the break and scored two tries through Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am.

Pollard added three more penalties to hammer home the hosts’ advantage and ensure the Lions face a final Test decider as they look to secure only a third series win in South Africa since the beginning of the 20th century.