STORY OF THE SERIES

June 3, Whangerai: NZ Barbarians 7 Lions 13

June 7, Auckland: Blues 22 Lions 16

June 10, Christchurch: Crusaders 3 Lions 12

June 13, Dunedin:

June 17, Rotorua: Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32

June 20, Hamilton: Chiefs 6 Lions 34

June 24, 1st Test, Auckland: THE All Blacks delivered a statement of intent, as Rieko Ioane added two tries to an earlier score from Codie Taylor. Beauden Barrett was immaculate from the tee, kicking six out of six. The Lions did produce a try of the highest quality from Sean O’Brien (above) but the writing was on the wall for the tourists.

June 27, Wellington: Hurricanes 31 Lions 31

July 1, 2nd Test. Wellington: SONNY BILL WILLIAMS would live to rue the day he flattened Anthony Watson with a shoulder charge, a foul which saw the Kiwi sent off — and changed the face of the series. Tries from Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray helped the Lions overturn a nine-point deficit.

July 8, 3rd Test, Auckland: A LONG-RANGE penalty from Owen Farrell three minutes from time earned the Lions an honourable draw. The All Blacks led 12-6 at the break through tries from Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett but missed countless chances to score again and the Lions chipped away to square a dramatic series.