3 best and 3 worst players for the Lions in the third test

RUCK ranks the performances of the best performers and most underwhelming players.

Balls: "Made brave penalty decisions in the 1st half that gave the Lions the first try but will regret not taking other kicking opportunities. Will be delighted with the efforts of his teammates and his legacy in the jersey. Made 7 tackles." 7

JOE: "Left it all out there. Five carries, seven tackles and threw in a couple of offloads too." 7

RUCK: "Tackles, turnovers, offloads...the captain did it all in yet another extraordinary display. Inspirational before he went off." 7

Telegraph: "Completed two nifty offloads, one to Ken Owens and the other to Maro Itoje, that troubled South Africa. His maul defence was strong as well." 7

Wales Online: "On early for Biggar and immediately brought his sheer quality to bear with some great flat-passing off both hand. Rushed kick clearance led to him conceding a penalty for a high tackle on Cheslin Kolbe in the third quarter. Nerveless 44 metre penalty in 63rd minute" 8

Pundit Arena: "While the game ended in disappointment for the Lions, the Scotsman was brilliant in his first test cap for the Lions. Russell improved the Lions’ attack immeasurably and kicked perfectly from the tee. Almost a fairytale story for the fly-half." 9

Telegraph: "It was like a fog lifted when Russell stepped on the field. Directed fizzing phase-play that finally challenged South Africa’s rush defence, even if kicking was not always tidy." 8

JOE: "Made one bullocking carry that was so good that he was left isolated inside the Bok 22 and was turned over. All action from the England lock. Won the 80th minute restart" 8

Pundit Arena: "The Englishman was excellent again for the tourists, having made almost 30 metres from eight carries, as well nine tackles, more than any of his team mates. He also made one steal in a good but losing effort from the Lions." 8

RUCK: "Probably claimed a 2-1 series win over Eben Etzebeth as the worlds two best locks clashed. However, it still wasn’t enough. " 8

Telegraph: "Itoje was the target for the lineout that brought Ken Owens’ pushover and delivered an all-action outing once again. A fine series in defeat. " 8

Off The Ball: "Maro Itoje has been the standout player in the test series, with physicality and leadership being his biggest assets." 8

Rugby Pass: "Fumbled the ball more than once and – and other than a few darts – never really got to showcasec his attacking game." 5.5

Ball.IE: "A quiet night for the Walsh attack wizard." 5

Irish Examiner: "No doubting his quality but he concedes too many costly penalties. Pinged at a maul as the Lions were marching towards the try line and was penalised again later on." 4

Wales Online: "Worked himself to a standstill but key didn’t win enough key battles or produce enough pivotal moments." 5

Rugby Pass: "A first-half blunder maybe cost the Lions seven points and the opportunity for Gatland’s men to rattle the Boks further. Too many penalties. Too inaccurate." 4

Pundit Arena: "The young English flanker started all three tests, but he hasn’t been at his best in the series. Curry’s discipline again let him down, while he was quiet overall in open play." 5

RUCK: Criminally missed a tackle on Cheslin Kolbe in defence and failed to slip in Adams when he should have in the opening 40. 4

Rugby Pass: "Was initially convincing in the air but his failure to put Josh Adams away in the 28th minute was a sour note, as was getting done by Kolbe, even if defending the tyro is maybe rugby union’s most thankless task." 5

Telegraph: "The busy, tough Wales wing made metres when called upon. South Africa targeted him in the air but he stole a turnover on the ground." 6

Pundit Arena: "Williams opted against setting Adams down the right wing unchallenged for a certain try, and missed a tackle on Kolbe which saw the Springboks take the lead for the first time." 4

Irish Examiner: "Settled into it with a superb overhead take, but he will have nightmares about not passing to Adams out wide, as well as his missed tackle on Kolbe." 3