RUGBY: New Zealand v Britsih & Irish Lions - The story of the match

Sonny Bill Williams was sent off as the British and Irish Lions claimed a thrilling Test series-levelling 24-21 victory over world champions New Zealand at Westpac Stadium.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jul 2017, 12:48 BST
Updated 18th Jul 2017, 08:37 BST
All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams was red cardedAll Blacks Sonny Bill Williams was red carded
All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams was red carded

Williams, one of the biggest names in world rugby, received his marching orders from French referee Jerome Garces after just 25 minutes of a titanic tussle for a dangerous shoulder charge to the head of Lions wing Anthony Watson.

He was the first All Blacks player to be sent off in a Test match since Colin Meads against Scotland 50 years ago, only the third All Black of all-time and first in New Zealand, and the home side were eventually floored by a 77th-minute Owen Farrell penalty to set up a series decider in Auckland next Saturday.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

Lions Taulupe Faletau scores their first try against New ZealandLions Taulupe Faletau scores their first try against New Zealand
Lions Taulupe Faletau scores their first try against New Zealand
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“Wow - amazing scenes here once again - brilliant for Lions and Gatland and everyone here, incredible result” - Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) is delighted with the win.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Owen Farrell blasted the winning penalty home with ease, after Charlie Faumuina was perhaps harshly penalised for tackling Kyle Sinckler in the air after the Lions prop had jumped.

STAR MAN

Lions Taulupe Faletau scores their first try against New ZealandLions Taulupe Faletau scores their first try against New Zealand
Lions Taulupe Faletau scores their first try against New Zealand

Taulupe Faletau, British and Irish Lions: the Wales number eight again showed his class in an accurate showing, capping a fine night with an expertly-taken try. Just the calm head the Lions needed at the helm of their pack.

TOP MARKS JEROME GARCES

Referee Garces awarded just New Zealand’s third-ever Test match red card in dismissing Sonny Bill Williams for what he termed a “deliberate” shoulder charge to Anthony Watson’s head. The Frenchman played no favourites when reaching for red, in applying the rules to the letter of the law.

Related topics:British and Irish LionsRugbyNew Zealand