Published Saturday, 27 June 2009
The Lions had dominated the first period and led 19-8 with a try from full-back Rob Kearney while Stephen Jones scored a total of 20 points from a perfect kicking display.
But the Springboks launched a comeback as the Lions lost four key players to injury, Props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, plus centres Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts.
South Africa edged ahead for the first time as Jaque Fourie added to earlier tries from JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana.
Jones' penalty appeared to have earned the Lions a draw with two minutes remaining before Morne Steyn penalty sealed the victory and the series for the World Champions in injury time.
Captain Paul O'Connell was dejected:"It was very disappointing the way it all panned out. We had a lot of injuries and I suppose they told.
"It was tough but we just didn't play enough in the second half. We were all over them when we played in the first half.
"I thought we did enough to get the draw and keep the series alive", Munster lock O'Connell added.
"Before I came on tour I knew we could do it - but we needed to do it for 80 minutes. We did it for the second 40 last week and the first 40 this week.
"The commitment was incredible, all the lads are so proud and want to win for the Lions."
It was a record seventh successive Test defeat on tour for the Lions, who now only have pride left to play for in Johannesburg next Saturday.
They have not won a Test series since toppling the Springboks 12 years ago.