3 memorable British and Irish Lions’ series finales

The British and Irish Lions face one of the biggest games in their illustrious history when they tackle world champions New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday.

The Test series stands at 1-1, with one game left, and victory for the Lions would end a 46-year wait to topple the All Blacks across a series on New Zealand soil.

Here, we look at three of the Lions’ greatest moments in series finales.

The Lions arrived in Auckland with a 2-1 series lead, but they had no intention of sharing the spoils and wanted to secure outright glory. New Zealand made a lightning start, scoring eight points in as many minutes, yet the tourists responded impressively through a Peter Dixon try, while Barry John kicked a penalty and conversion. The game moved to 11-11, then Lions full-back JPR Williams booted a stunning 45-metre drop-goal to edge his team in front. And although the All Blacks landed an equalising penalty, the Lions did enough to claim what remains their only Test series triumph against the All Blacks.

Lions: Williams; G Davies, Dawes (capt), Gibson, Duckham; John, Edwards; Lynch, Pullin, McLauchlan, McBride, Brown, Taylor, Dixon, M Davies.

The Lions looked down and out when they lost the first Test Down Under, but they tied things to set up a decider that will be remembered for Wallabies wing David Campese’s defensive howler. Full-back Gavin Hastings’ three penalties were the Lions feature of a tied first half, but Campese then inexplicably lost possession near near his own line, and Ieuan Evans pounced to score. Two more Hastings penalties took the Lions clear, and although Australia hit back through two Michael Lynagh strikes, the tourists held out. It was only the second time in history the Lions had fought back from 1-0 down to win a series.

Lions: G Hastings; Evans, S Hastings, Guscott, R Underwood; Andrew, Jones; Sole, Moore, Young, Ackford, Dooley, Teague, Calder (capt), Richards.

The Lions ended a 16-year wait for a series success as they demolished Australia in spectacular fashion. The opening two encounters had been tense, tight contests, but the Wallabies were simply blown away as their opponents scored three tries in 12 second-half minutes through Johnny Sexton, George North and Jamie Roberts to give the Lions their highest points total against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. It was the first time the Lions had a won a Test series since they toppled the Springboks in 1997.

Lions: Halfpenny; Bowe, Davies, Roberts, North; Sexton, Phillips; Corbisiero, Hibbard, A Jones, A W Jones (capt), Parling, Lydiate, O’Brien, Faletau.