Lions ratings: Itoje puts in phenomenal performance with Henshaw also producing immense showing as Lions edge first Test
THE BRITISH and Irish Lions came from behind in spectacular fashion to edge the first Test 22-17 against South Africa in Cape Town.
Warren Gatland's side found themselves 12-3 down at half-time but battled back to win thanks to 14 points from Dan Biggar, Luke Cowan-Dickie's try and a late Owen Farrell penalty.
The on-field celebrations were muted after the match as the Lions seemed to know they got out of jail.
But the history books will note it as a win which is all that matters.
Here's what SunSport's man in Cape Town - Jonny Fordham - thought of the Lions' individual performances.
STUART HOGG - 8
Waited eight years, started badly, but finished like a superstar.
ANTHONY WATSON - 7
Competed hard in the air, would have wanted more ball in hand, though.
ELLIOT DALY - 7
Smoked by Am early on. Fell just short with a long-range pen.
ROBBIE HENSHAW - 9
Immense, only error was dropping the ball when through.
DUHAN VAN DER MERWE - 8
Almost scored, earned his spot. Shut up the doubters.
DAN BIGGAR - 8
Shanked early kicks before recovering. Emptied the tank.
ALI PRICE - 9
Not one missed kick and kept the pace up. Superb debut.
RORY SUTHERLAND - 7
Late call-up for Wyn Jones, but did the job before Vunipola finished it.
LUKE COWAN-DICKIE - 8
A dream debut try in his first Test. Superb scenes.
TADHG FURLONG - 7
More impact needed in the loose against the green giants.
MARO ITOJE - 10 - STAR MAN
Snaffled a key turnover in his own 22. Phenomenal. A Machine.
ALUN WYN JONES (C) - 7
Played the full 80 less than a month after a dislocated shoulder.
COURTNEY LAWES - 8
What a warrior. Always stood up. A titanic display.
TOM CURRY - 7
Done for a late hit on De Klerk, but nailed Kwagga Smith to set-up first try.
JACK CONAN - 8
Showed his neat feet in the second half.
LIONS REPLACEMENTS
Owens 7 (on for Cowan-Dickie, 57), Vunipola 7 (on for Sutherland, 57), Sinckler 8 (on for Furlong, 67), Beirne 6 (on for Lawes, 73).
H Watson 6 (on for Curry, 57), Murray 7 (on for Price, 64), Farrell 8 (on for Daly, 66), Williams 8 (on for Van Der Merwe, 71).
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SOUTH AFRICA
Le Roux 7, Kolbe 6, Am 7, De Allende 8, Mapimpi 6, Pollard 8, De Klerk 7; Nche 8, Mbonambi 7, Nyakane 8, Etzebeth 7, Mostert 6, Kolisi 7 (c), Du Toit 8, Smith 4.
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SOUTH AFRICA REPLACEMENTS
Marx 5 (on for Mbonambi, 41), Kitshoff 5 (on for Nche, 41), Malherbe 4 (on for Nyakane 41), De Jager 5 (on for Mostert, 64).
Elstadt 5 (on for Smith, 64), H Jantjies, E Jantjies 6 (on for Pollard, 71), Willemse 6 (on for Le Roux, 67).
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