South Africa 28 British & Irish Lions 25

South Africa won the second test against the British & Irish Lions to clinch a series win avenging the series defeat to the Lions in 1997 and inflicting a third series defeat in a row on the Lions.

The match ended in heart break for the Lions as full back Morne Steyn converted a long range penalty to steal the series in the last few seconds.

The Lions had dominated the match from the start until some untimely injuries saw key Lions limp from the field and reducing their effectiveness around the field.

Both props, Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins were helped from the field as were the star centre pairing of Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Roberts.

It is difficult to assess the extent of these injuries and any alleged intentions, but two Springbok players have been cited after the game, one of which led directly to Adam Jones leaving the field.

The Lions can hold their heads up high though in the knowledge that they dominated the game and it was only in periods of the second half that the Springboks played like the world champions they are.

Full back Rob Kearney opened the scoring with a well taken try in the corner and fly half Stephen Jones added a couple of penalties and a drop goal to give the Lions a 16-8 lead at half time.

Jones then kicked a further penalty to take the score out to 19-8 before the Bok’s started their fight back with a try from Bryan Habana.

With four minutes of the match remaining Jaque Fourie touched down in the corner and following several minutes of deliberation from the television match official the try was awarded.

Morne Steyn converted to give the Boks a three point lead, but Stephen Jones kicked a penalty in the final minute to level the scores believing that the Lions had squared the match.

The game then took the final twist to stick the knife into the Lions when substitute Ronan O’Gara needlessly conceded the penalty in the dying seconds which Steyn kicked to seal the match and series.