The third and final Test between the Lions and New Zealand was an incredibly tense encounter which brought to an end one of the most exciting series of rugby in recent years.
The Lions clung on to a 15-15 draw with New Zealand to seal a remarkable turnaround following their convincing 30-15 loss in the first Test. The result saw the players, management and fans slightly deflated at full time with many questioning whether extra time was on the cards. Instead, the game, and series, ended as a draw.
The incredible decider brought to a close an unbelievable three match contest that captured the imagination of the rugby world. Heroes were made across the series as the British and Irish Lions did what everyone deemed near impossible, stopping the All Blacks.
n the series decider, what three things did we learn?
Wales’ Jonathan Davies picked up the Player of the Tour award for his performances across the three Tests. In the final game he was a consistent threat on the ball, while his defensive ability kept the midfield tight throughout the game.
Across every single game he was a constant menace. Warren Gatland’s decision to use him alongside Ben Te’o and then Owen Farrell in the middle paid dividends. His kicking game out of hand was superb and the lines he was picking were outstanding as he continually broke the All Blacks’ defence to make valuable yards for the tourists.
Last time, Leigh Halfpenny was the Player of the Tour, this year it was Davies. It seems as though the Welsh are really standing out in recent tours then.
Warren Gatland has been a man that has received a lot of derision this tour. His initial selection was questioned, while his decisions during the game with regard to substitutions, tactics and personnel were subject to a lot of debate.
Following the loss in the first Test and his starting team for the second, many wondered whether he actually knew what he was doing. However, Gatland masterminded his side to a superb 24-21 win before he guided the tourists to a draw in a tense finale. Since then, he has been heavily linked with the New Zealand job when Steve Hansen steps down.
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With the drawn series, his decisions in selection and tactics have been vindicated and shows he is a world class coach. Any manager that can limit New Zealand to a single win across a three game series is either incredibly lucky or very talented. Gatland is the latter, although he did need a lot of the former too.
Finally, the last game was a victory for rugby. The All Blacks, the best side in sport, came into the match knowing that nothing but a win would do. For the Lions, the game was a shot at immortality.
Neither side were able to take their chance to clinch victory and it left everyone with a feeling of deflation. However, the scenes at full time showed two elite rugby teams that had battered and bruised each other come together and lift the trophy.
Of the two sides, the All Blacks probably shaded the series and rightly so, they are the best team in sport, but the final game came down to the wire and nothing could separate the two sides on the scoresheet.
The tour was an incredible one and it showcased everything that is good about rugby. Now, it is a case of waiting for the next Lions tour in South Africa in 2021.
