Follow all the fallout from the third Test in Cape Town
British and Irish Lions in numbers
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
- South Africa win final Test to seal series victory
British and Irish Lions vs South Africa: Farewell!
That is that, then. For the final time for four years, we say farewell to the British and Irish Lions. How different things might look come Australia in 2025, though one would imagine it will struggle to reproduce a tour as packed full of incident, drama, or debate. From the first rumblings to the very last, whatever can be said about this unique Tour, you can certainly not state that it has been without twist or turn.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us – we’ll have plenty of reaction to South Africa’s series victory over the coming days. But for now, this is goodbye – do stay safe and well!
Lions suffer late heartbreak as Morne Steyn boots South Africa to victory in final Test
The world champions secured a 19-16 win in the final moments in Cape Town to clinch the series -Harry Latham-Coyl
Lions vs South Africa result: Warren Gatland on what is next
“A lot of things can happen in four years. I have loved my time with the Lions. The Lions need to go and talk to the clubs and the unions about having adequate preparation time to go on tour. There is a lot of expectation to win the series. We get less preparation than the national teams do when they go on their tours. Hopefully in the next six months they can hopefully iron that out and we can get the schedule for four years time sorted.
“It is something that I will reflect on. I am incredibly proud and have been very fortunate. I am very passionate about the Lions. I fly back to New Zealand tomorrow, 14 days isolation in a hotel, and start thinking about my role with the Chiefs. That time on my own will be a good time to think about what the next chapter of my life will be. I haven’t got any long-term plans so it is just a bit of wait and see. Lions tours are so intensive for not just the players, but the staff as well.” –Harry Latham-Coyle7
Lions vs South Africa result: Warren Gatland on defeat
“We were held up over the line and then penalised at a scrum five metres out from their line. From that point of view, there were some key moments. It was always going to be a bounce of the ball, it was always going to be tight. From a coaching point of view you can’t ask for more – the boys gave 100 per cent.
“At the highest level, you get one or two chances and a mistake is really costly. I can’t complain about our attitude and the way we went about it. We turned down a couple of three point opportunties to go to the corner to try to build a bit of a lead.
“It hasn’t taken anything out of me. It has been a tough series, but it has been exciting. At 16-16, it reminded me a little bit of the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Unfortunately we are the ones that have been penalised and conceded three points. They were the team that got that moment in the last five minutes when the game was tight.” – Harry Latham-Coyle
Lions vs South Africa result: Warren Gatland on defeat
“I’m disappointed but really proud of the effort the boys put in. We were bold, we went out to play some rugby. We missed a few chances and they get a lucky bounce and score against the run of play. It was a proper Test match – a couple of calls didn’t go our way. Congratulations to South Africa.
“It’s a bit of deja vu [Morne Steyn kicking the penalty to win it]. The penalty count was 15-12 against us. Big moments – Liam Williams should have given the pass to Josh Adams.
“Finn Russell was good. We talked about moving the ball, and we went through his hands a lot which was good. He’ll be disappointed that he dropped a ball in the air and was a bit unlucky on the high tackle, but he showed how quick he can get the ball through his hands. For someone who hasn’t played a lot of rugby he was excellent.” – Harry Latham-Coyle
Lions vs South Africa result
South Africa beat the Lions: Siya Kolisi speaks to Sky Sports
“I’m really proud of the team. It was challenging for both teams but we focussed as much as we could on what we could do on the field.
“This is huge. 12 years – I will never get this opportunity again. I am honoured that we have done this. Without the team, I wouldn’t be where I am. What I would say to someone who comes from a similar background, as long as you work as hard as you can, believe in yourself. Your dreams, protect them no matter what your circumstances are. Fight for what you want. You have to believe. There are people who have made it. We are here.”Harry Latham-Coyle
Lions vs South Africa result
We should hopefully be hearing from Warren Gatland reasonably soon. For the first time as a British and Irish Lions head coach, Gatland has been defeated, to make it one of each – a series win, a series draw, and now a loss to South Africa. – Harry Latham-Coyle
Lions vs South Africa result
Morne Steyn takes a pew at the front of the stage, grasping the trophy as Willie Le Roux shakes him gleefully. He would never have believed this. He’s beaten the British and Irish Lions – twice
South Africa lift the trophy
Medals, too, for the coaching staff, Jacques Nienaber with similing eyes. Duane Vermeulen has got one! He only joined the squad on Monday!
On to the stage with the trophy dances captain Kolisi, and over his head he hoists the trophy! The champagne and streamers fly with it, and, from the roof of Cape Town Stadium, so too the fireworks! Victory for South Africa!
Harry Latham-Coyle