Recap on top three British and Irish Lions' series finales

by The TRU Team Tuesday 4 July 2017

George North was on the scoresheet when the British and Irish Lions thrashed Australia 41-16 four years ago

©PA

As British and Irish Lions take on New Zealand in the series deciding third Test in Auckland on Saturday, here are the top three finales involving them.

NEW ZEALAND 14 BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS 14 (Eden Park, Auckland, August 14, 1971)

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.

AUSTRALIA 18 BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS 19 (Sydney, July 15, 1989)

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.

AUSTRALIA 16 BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS 41 (Sydney, July 6, 2013)

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.