Lions player ratings: Chris Smith and Siba Mahashe shine in narrow All Blacks defeat

The Lions produced a spirited performance before losing 41-35 to the All Blacks in the Greatest Rivalry match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Chris Smith and Siba Mahashe were the standout performers, both earning a rating of 8.5. Smith was named KickOff Rugby’s man of the match, while Mahashe received the official award after another influential display.

The result ended in defeat for the Lions, but several players impressed as they pushed New Zealand throughout the contest.

Lions player ratings

15 Quan Horn – 7.5

Rassie Erasmus released Horn from the Springbok squad so he could feature against the All Blacks, and the full-back showed why he is so highly regarded. He defended strongly, offered plenty in attack and used his boot intelligently.

14 Kelly Mpeku – 7

Mpeku scored an excellent try and constantly looked for opportunities to get involved. His pace could prove a major asset for teams in the URC this season.

13 Henco van Wyk – 7

Van Wyk, another centre who might have been in contention for the Springboks this year had injury not intervened, showed that he is back to full fitness. He was aggressive and committed in defence, while also giving glimpses of his attacking ability.

12 Richard Kriel – 6

Kriel was heavily involved defensively as New Zealand looked to attack from every area of the field. He threw the pass that was intercepted for Rieko Ioane’s second try, although he also earned a penalty for the Lions.

11 Erich Cronje – 7

Cronje won a turnover and produced an outstanding aerial catch which led to him scoring in the second half. His willingness to work hard for the team was evident throughout.

10 Chris Smith – 8.5

Smith controlled the game effectively, keeping the Lions’ forwards moving forward and delivering accurate passes to release the backline. He was also prepared to challenge the gainline.

His defensive contribution was equally impressive, as he repeatedly put his body on the line in a succession of tackles. That all-round performance earned him KickOff Rugby’s man-of-the-match award.

9 Nico Steyn – 8

Steyn was excellent at scrum-half. He used an audacious dummy to create the opening score, won a turnover, supplied quick ball and kicked well before being replaced in the second half.

8 Francke Horn – 7.5

Horn continued the form he showed last season, putting in a huge effort during his time on the pitch. He defended reliably, scored after the Lions destroyed an All Blacks scrum and linked play effectively. He was also a strong option at the lineout.

7 Batho Hlekani – 6.5

Hlekani carried aggressively and repeatedly committed his sizeable frame to contact. He made several important defensive hits, although one error in defence contributed to a New Zealand try.

6 Siba Mahashe – 8.5

Mahashe was one of the Lions’ leading performers last season and again stood out here. He read an interception brilliantly, then demonstrated his pace to escape the All Blacks defence and score.

His influence extended beyond his attacking contribution, with Mahashe also making a powerful impact in defence. He was awarded the official man-of-the-match prize.

5 Ruan Delport – 7.5

The lock delivered a strong performance, making hard tackles throughout the match. He also carried effectively and contributed significantly in attack.

4 Etienne Oosthuizen – 7

Oosthuizen played only 19 minutes before being removed for a head-injury assessment, but he made a positive impression in that short period, particularly with his defensive work.

3 Sebastian Lombard – 7

Lombard produced a solid performance at tighthead. He was part of the Lions scrum that generated the pressure for a pushover try which the All Blacks will want to erase from memory.

2 PJ Botha – 7

Botha delivered accurate lineout throws and was committed in open play. As usual, he gave maximum effort for the Lions.

1 SJ Kotze – 7

Kotze won a scrum penalty and worked hard around the field. He will also remember helping drive the All Blacks off the ball for Horn’s try.

Replacements – 5

The Lions’ replacements failed to provide the influence coach Ivan van Rooyen would have wanted. Hyron Andrews spent the longest period on the pitch after replacing Oosthuizen, while Boan Venter, who had been released by the Springboks, endured a difficult spell as New Zealand began to gain control at scrum time.