Lawes Steals The Show In Our Player Ratings As The Lions Draw First Blood Against The Springboks

First blood.

The British and Irish Lions emerged victorious this evening against the reigning world champions to go 1-0 up in their three-game series.

The visitors were poor in the first half and went in trailing 12-3 at the break with the Springboks looking like they were going to have the better of them.

But a hugely impressive second-half display saw them run out 22-17 winners in the end. Here are your player ratings.

Stuart Hogg – 6

Started well but went into his shell a little bit as the game went on. Looked to attack space when he could

Anthony Watson – 7

Some incredible footwork at times. South Africa’s defence was incredible but he kept finding gaps and kept them on their toes at all times.

Elliot Daly – 3

So many missed tackles, will not be starting next week.

Robbie Henshaw – 7

Some big carries from the Irishman who left it all out there. Unlucky with the spill in the first half.

Duhan van der Merwe – 7

Really came into his own in the second half and made some monster hits.

Dan Biggar – 7

Will be disappointed with his kicking in the first half but recovered well to play a key role in the second.

Ali Price – 8

Kicking was on point and that zip in his pass is beautiful. Plenty of energy too.

Rory Sutherland – 6

Decent performance but will be disappointed with himself overall.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7

Scrummed well and throwing was good (minus that stupid quick throw). Scored the all-important first try.

Tadhg Furlong – 7

A real battle in the scrum for him today. Some big second-half carries.

Alun Wyn Jones – 7

Made some big penalty calls and played the full 80. Impressive stuff from Lazerus himself.

Maro Itoje – 9

An absolute menace. Some huge steals and a phenomenal work rate. Really showed up today.

Courtney Lawes – 9

Our man of the match. Carried like a monster and was tireless throughout.

Tom Curry – 5

Gave away a silly penalty for a late hit on de Klerk and was nowhere near how good we know he can be.

Jack Conan – 7

The top carrier on the pitch, Conan will be hugely pleased with his Test debut.

REPLACEMENTS:
Mako Vunipola (on for Sutherland ’56) – 8

Ken Owens (for Cowan-Dickie ’56) – 5

Hamish Watson (on for Curry ’56) – 5

Conor Murray (on for Price ’63) – 6

Owen Farrell (on for Daly ’65) – 5

Kyle Sinckler (on for Furlong ’65) – 6

Liam Williams (on for van der Merwe ’70) – N/A

Tadhg Beirne (on for Lawes ’72) – N/A

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