Last update on.From section Rugby UnionSouth Africa won a series victory over the British Lions and Irish Lions, adding to their world crownRob Kearney, a former fullback for the British and Irish Lions, said that the current side would be "full regret" after the decisive Test against South Africa.The Lions lost 19-16 due to a Morne Steyn penalty in the 78th minute. Kearney stated that the tourists lost the game because they were "opposed to Springboks winning it".He said that the "they started getting a bit lazy in the last five- to ten minutes."South Africa, world champions, loses the series 2-1.Kearney's remarks were repeated by Shane Williams, his ex-Lions teammate. Williams said that the Lions were in control as they led 10-6 at halftime.Williams stated that 14 points were left in the game's first half when Williams analyzed the territory and possessions of the Lions. Williams spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live."They controlled the pace and were in control."Unfortunately, in the second period, South Africa slowed down the game to a pace that was more suited to them. It took the Lions until the 16th minute before they woke up."Marginal decisions cost LionsWarren Gatland, Lions coach, said that some 50-50 calls didn't go our direction after South Africa won in the last minute.The game was poised at 16-16. The Springboks were given a late penalty. Herschel Jantjies quickly accepted it.The substitute scrum-half was tackled, and the ball was taken to the ground. However, play was reintroduced for the first penalty because Jantjies was not allowed to take the ball from the mark.Steyn, like he did in the series decider of 2009, kicked the winning penalty. Gatland described it as "deja vu".Gatland stated, "You know it's going to not be easy going away playing the world champions." It could have been any other way, and South Africa deserves our gratitude."The penalty count was against our 15-12. This is why it is so crucial. You want to keep your penalties below 10, and it is important that you do so."You only get one or two chances at the level, so you have to make the most of them."'Superb Russell'The Lions' bright spot was Finn Russell's performance as fly-half, replacing Dan Biggar who was injured in the 10th minute.Russell was not part of the Test series up to this point, but Gatland said that the Scot was "excellent".Gatland said, "We discussed moving the ball and the balls went through his [Russell] hands a lot."He showed us how fast he can pass the ball. He was a genius, and I think he is an excellent player for someone who doesn't play a lot of rugby.Kearney, a former Ireland fullback, was also full praise for Russell. Williams, who traveled with Kearney in the series loss to South Africa 2009, stated that he had made "the most difference".Kearney said that Finn Russell was a great player and that he had ambition and pace."We talked about this side being more brave and taking greater risks. We cannot lament that."Gatland lost his first series as a Lions coach, but the Kiwi wasn't sure if he would be returning to Australia to guide the 2025 tour."In terms of my involvement there's a lot under the bridge in just four years. There are many things that can take place in this time. He said, "I've enjoyed my time with the Lions."Nienaber hails the 'fairytale return' of SteynSteyn joined the game and kicked two penalties during the final 15 minutesSouth Africa coach Jacques Nienaber praised Steyn's steely nerves after the 37-year old came off the bench just two minutes before the end of the first Test in five-years.Nienaber stated, "I'll be truthful, I was sitting with both my legs crossed, and I didn't see that penalty." "I'm glad for him that he was able to play again. Twelve years later, it's still a fairytale.Nienaber stated that Steyn's selection in the matchday squad of 23, consisting of 23 players, was a touch and go. Elton Jantjies had been the second-choice flying-half for many years.He said that the selection of Morne was the result of an hour-long conversation between coaches and players. "But, we felt that his experience in this specific environment was the key."The coach was impressed with the players' resilience after many of them tested positive for coronavirus during a challenging build-up to the series.Nienaber said that the biggest problem was getting the time to prepare because of Covid-19 issues. She also had to spend a week in hotel rooms."Our attitude was to keep moving forward and look for solutions. We were able to finish the job because of the amount of experience we had in the team.
