Victory For British And Irish Lions In Wellington Thriller Second Test

The British and Irish Lions have beaten
the All Blacks 24-21 in a thrilling second
Test in Wellington.


It takes the three-match series to a 1-1
draw ahead of a decider next week, with
head coach Warren Gatland saying they
have "everything to play for" in the
upcoming Auckland game.


Connor Murray's try ramped up the
excitement, but it was Owen Farrell's late
penalty that handed victory to the touring
team.



It was the first victory for the Lions over
the All Blacks in New Zealand since 1993.



The All Blacks played 55 minutes with 14
men after Sonny Bill Williams became the
first member of the side to be sent off in a
test match on home soil.



He had been red-carded for a charging
Lions winger Anthony Watson with his
shoulder.



New Zealand's fly-half Beauden Barrett
kicked seven penalties and at one point
things were looking bleak for the Lions
with the score at 18-9 to the All Blacks.



But the Lions brought it back as the rain
poured down.



As well as Murray and Farrell, Taulupe
Faletau scored for the Lions.



All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen said "losing
sucks" but added there was no point in
"whining" about the red card.
In a measured summing-up of the Lions'
performance, Gatland said:

"We gave away
some silly penalties, which was
disappointing, but the better team won
tonight."


He went on:

"I thought the last 10 minutes
when the guys came off their line and
stepped the All Blacks' momentum was
key.



I am very happy with the boys and
proud that we have won."


And he added:

"The key for next week is
to build on the good things from tonight."


After the match, Murray lamented team
discipline but hailed the team's "incredible
heart", saying: "We have a few issues but
we are still in the fight."



Skipper Sam Warburton warned there is
much left to do before bringing the series
home.


"We have got to up it again next week," he
said. "We have an epic battle on our
hands."