Emerging Springboks 13 British and Irish Lions 13

THE British and Irish Lions were denied victory in horrendous conditions at Newlands, after a dramatic injurytime finale.

Emerging Springboks substitute Willem de Waal kept his nerve as the rain sluiced down beneath Table Mountain, landing a magnificent touchline conversion of substitute Danwel Demas’ try with the game’s final kick.

It was no more than the Boks’ second string deserved, after engaging in a full-blooded tussle.

Demas, who scored for the Cheetahs against the Lions 17 days ago, finished with a flourish from arguably the game’s most flowing move.

The elements did their utmost to blow both teams off course – combining rain, hail and gale-force winds.

But a first-half try by fullback Keith Earls – plus a penalty and conversion from captain Ronan O’Gara – ensured that as in New Zealand four years ago, the Lions’ midweek XV remained unbeaten.

There were also a few interesting selection pointers for head coach Ian McGeechan for Saturday’s second Test appointment with the world champion Springboks in Pretoria.

Wing Luke Fitzgerald shone in most areas, while number eight Andy Powell displayed a healthy appetite for battle and substitute James Hook – on for O’Gara just after half-time – made some assured touches, including slotting a late penalty.

The Lions, though, experienced a testing finale.

They were unable to put daylight between themselves and well-organised opponents and they ultimately paid the price.

It was not the result they would have wanted just four days before facing a Test series salvage mission against South Africa.

The conditions had an effect on the Lions inside four minutes when O’Gara produced a howler with his first kick, missing from 20 metres out after failing to correctly gauge conditions.

He made amends four minutes later, punishing the Emerging Springboks’ technical indiscipline, before a blunder by home full-back Zane Kirchner put his team in trouble.

Wing Shane Williams charged down his attempted clearance, freeing impressive centre Riki Flutey, and quickly recycled possession allowed Earls to finish impressively.

O’Gara added the extras for a 10-0 lead, before a hailstorm blew across the ground.

Fitzgerald, eager to put pressure on Test wing Ugo Monye, showed a healthy appetite for work – defending well and also roaming into midfield seeking opportunities.

The Lions were good value for their 10-3 interval advantage and O’Gara made way for Hook just five minutes into the second period.

Rose’s second successful penalty made it 10-6 and reminded the Lions they still had a lot of work to do.

A slippery surface and squally showers made conditions for handling the ball treacherous, and the Lions needed another score to give them breathing space.

The Lions appeared set to close the game out but Demas dived over to hand de Waal the stage for his moment of glory