Lions manage to edge out 14-man New Zealand in a thrilling 21-24 win

New Zealand 21-24 British and Irish Lions, Westpac Stadium
Scorecard

Owen Farrell starred with 14 points while Conor Murray and Taulupe Faletau scored tries for British and Irish Lions as they sealed a 21-24 win against a 14-men New Zealand side at Westpac Stadium on Saturday to level the series 1-1.

New Zealand went one man down in the 24th minute when centre Sonny Bill Williams was red-carded for shoulder charge on Anthony Watson. However, despite the setback, All Blacks had control for most part of the game before Murray's touchdown in the 68th minute led the fightback from the visitors.

After the first 18 minutes went without a point, Beauden Barrett and Farrell exchanged penalties as the scores were levelled 3-3 by the 22nd minute.

Despite, Williams' send-off that came two minutes later, Barrett kicked two more penalties that were once again negated by Farrell as the teams were placed level at 9-9 at half time.

Barrett kicked further three penalties in the third quarter with the final one coming after a sin-bin to Mako Vunipola for performing a late charge on the fly-half. By the 57th minute, Steve Hansen's men had a 18-9 lead over Lions.

Faletau's touchdown in the 59th minute raised hopes for the visitors as the gap came down to four points but the Lions missed out on the conversion. As Barrett kicked his seventh penalty to widen the gap, Conor Murray strolled past the post in the 68th minute and was followed by Farrell adding the extras as the scores were levelled 21-21.

With all three results possible going into the final stage, New Zealand's Charlie Faumuina was penalised in the 76th minute and Farrell capitalised on the opportunity to kick his fourth penalty and more importantly a three point win for the Lions.

This was also New Zealand's first defeat at home in eight years. The third and final Test will be played in Auckland on 8th July with series levelled at 1-1.