LIST: 3 best and 3 worst players for the Lions in the opening test

Irish Examiner 8/10: "The scrum was under pressure on the other side but Furlong showed why he is rated as one of the best tight heads in the world by winning penalties himself. Also played a big part in a strong Lions maul in the second half."

Planet Rugby 9/10: " Rose to the occasion magnificently, besting both of South Africa’s loosehead props as his reputation continues to grow"

Joe 8/19: "Found himself on a damage control - tackles and slowing down rucks - brief in the first half. Finally broke free of the shackles and made a few forceful second half carries."

Rugby Pass 7.5/10: "Came to life in the second after a second purple patch. Left it all out there."

Pundit Arena 9/10: "Many were surprised he was selected to start but Lawes was the Lions’ best player on the pitch. He was the tourists’ top tackler, tied with Jones and Itoje, and was second only to Conan with his number of carries, while he was perfect at lineout time."

Balls 8/10: "Ruled the lineout in the first half with his athletic ability. Relentless, aggressive in his tackling throughout the game."

Joe 9/10: "Won his side a turnover, on 20 minutes, with a huge tackle and follow-up. Two minutes later, he saved his team's bacon with a turnover near his own tryline. His third turnover of the night sealed victory."

Rugby Pass 8.5/10: "Playing at times more like a six, the Saracen’s poaching saved the Lions, not least his final strip and rip to bagged up the ball game."

Pundit Arena 8/10: "He made two great steals in the first half, one of which could very well have stopped the Springboks from scoring an early try."

Balls 4/10: "The late change to start the game. Really struggled at scrum time, as the South African knew he was a weak link. Offered very little around the pitch with just 1 ball carry and was called ashore early in the second half."

The Telegraph 6/10: "A late call-up for the apparently more solid Wyn Jones; the Welshman was missed, in truth, as Sutherland struggled at the scrummage. Vunipola shored up the scrum when the Scot departed."

Pundit Arena 5/10: "The Scotsman was handed a start on late notice and he struggled to impose himself on the game, losing the scrum battle to Trevor Nyakane on a couple of occasions."

Irish Examiner 6/10: "Under pressure at the scrum and gave away two penalties."

Wales Online 6/10: "The Lions needed a No8 who could get over the gainline and Conan couldn’t, apart from one snaking first half spurt."

Telegraph 5/10: "Other than one cheeky dummy and burst, Conan was ineffective against the Bokke ballast. A selection error having no out-and-out No 8 replacement to inject energy"

Balls 5/10: "Really struggled with the South African rush defence and looked uncomfortable in a position he has not played much. Missed 3 tackles."

Irish Examiner 5/10: "Am won the battle of the outside centres and apart from giving away a few penalties he had little impact on the game."

Wales Online 5/10: "Rag-dolled by Lukhanyo Am early on, then penalised twice for not releasing in a tackle and playing the ball on the floor – the latter costing three points. One 55m penalty attempt that fell just short."

Joe 4/10: "His poor first half ended with a long, missed penalty attempt. Finished up with 0 metres gained on six carries and missed three tackle."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "He’s mixed the sublime with the ridiculous on this tour, but this was more the latter. Gatland’s gamble at 13 didn’t pay off."