There may have been a few jokes about the CCCC announcing details for a replay in Limerick next weekend.
How about that?
After a gripping 80 minutes of rugby to wrap up what really has been a brilliant series, the Lions and New Zealand had to share the spoils after they couldn’t be separated at Eden Park in Auckland.
After a shaky start, Owen Farrell composed himself to kick four penalties with Elliott Daly adding another to cancel out two tries by Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett for the All-Blacks.
Jordie’s brother Beauden kicked a penalty and a conversion for the hosts, but he has had better nights with the boot than at Eden Park on Saturday night.
In a game full of incident, there were some impressive showings from the Irish players involved – Sean O’Brien and Jonathan Sexton took some big hits – and drama right at the death when the TMO ruled that an offside against the Lions was accidental rather than deliberate, resulting in a scrum rather than a penalty that would have likely been a straightforward three points.
Despite the pulsating nature of the contest, there was a huge sense of anti-climax at the end after a first drawn Lions series since 1955, but considering it was a scratch team against the undisputed best team in the world, Warren Gatland’s boys can be proud of their efforts.
Here’s some of the best reaction on social media after a thrilling Saturday morning’s entertainment.
Equals on and off the field after an amazing 80 minutes of rugby 👏 #LionsNZ2017 #AllForOne#NZLvBIL reaction➡️ https://t.co/gdBm0OgzWe pic.twitter.com/K2PysuCIVw
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 8, 2017
Both sets of players congratulate each other after an incredible series! #NZLvBIL pic.twitter.com/D5AuNpSrsM
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 8, 2017
That was EPIC!!!! #LionNZ2017
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) July 8, 2017
Bizarre feeling at the end of that!
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) July 8, 2017
Let's have a 4th Test!!!
— Rob Kearney (@KearneyRob) July 8, 2017
Incredible humility from both captains #NZLvsBIL
— Kevin McLaughlin (@KMcLaughlin6) July 8, 2017
New Zealand demanding respect for the haka, then booing the kicker.
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) July 8, 2017
Everyone in lions seems miserable about draw. remember how ROG was pilloried for going for late win in 2nd test v SA in 09?
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) July 8, 2017
Great series @lionsofficial but organise a 4th test or play extra time! #NZLions2017
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 8, 2017
With Farrell and not a German in sight, we might have won a penalty shootout.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 8, 2017
Faaaaaark that. Let 'em play another 80mins, that was all-time. 🦁 🦁 🦁 #NZLvBIL #NZvBIL #LionsNZ0217
— Sean Maloney (@seanny202) July 8, 2017
What a magnificent game, no player on either team deserved to loose… #nervesofsteel #rubgythewinner #proudofthelions
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 8, 2017
Replay in 12 years time in New Zealand
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) July 8, 2017
Draw game in Auckland. The CCCC will announce details of the time and venue for the replay, probably next Saturday in Thurles. #BILVNZL
— Barry Dunne (@darrybunne) July 8, 2017
